Leung, Cindy W.Cluggish, SarahVillamor, EduardoCatalano, Paul J.Willett, WalterRimm, Eric Bruce::0ab2926c8242f35e5a982e3cf59f4987::6002019-08-272014Leung, Cindy W., Sarah Cluggish, Eduardo Villamor, Paul J. Catalano, Walter C. Willett, and Eric B. Rimm. 2014. “Few Changes in Food Security and Dietary Intake From Short-Term Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Among Low-Income Massachusetts Adults.” Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 46 (1): 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2013.10.001.1499-40461708-82591878-2620http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:41263024Objective: To examine whether short-term participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) affects food security and dietary quality among low-income adults recruited from a Massachusetts-wide emergency food hotline.Methods: A 3-month, longitudinal study was conducted among 107 adults recruited at the time of SNAP application assistance. Outcomes included household food security (10-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module), dietary intake (eg, grains, fruit) and diet quality (modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index). Data were analyzed using paired t tests and multivariable linear regression.Results: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation was not associated with improved household food security over 3 months (P=.25). Compared with non-participants, SNAP participants increased refined grain intake by 1.1 serving/d (P=.02), from baseline to follow-up. No associations were observed with other foods, nutrients, or dietary quality.Conclusion and Implications: Policies that simultaneously improve household food security and dietary quality should be implemented to support the health of low-income Americans participating in this crucial program.en-USJournal Article2019-08-2710.1016/j.jneb.2013.10.001