UCLA

Using data from the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, we investigated individual and neighborhood-level predictors of participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among eligible households in Los Angeles County. Among eligible groups, those with lower participation rates included older people, married couples, Hispanics, and those living in higher income neighborhoods. Reporting poor physical and/or mental health was associated with higher odds of SNAP participation. Future studies should focus on disentangling the relationship between poor health and SNAP participation, as well as on studying the pathway by which neighborhood resources may impact SNAP participation.