Assessment of household food security among food stamp recipient families in Maryland.

Abstract

We assessed the relationship between food security status and various sociodemographic characteristics among households that include children and that receive food stamps. A modified version of the US Food Security Survey Module was implemented by telephone survey with Maryland food stamp recipients. Of the 245 households, 66% experienced food insecurity. Food security status was associated with participation in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, the summer food program, and a food bank. Food security status was not associated with the number of months households received food stamps. There was no difference between the food security status of households living in urban and rural counties. A gap exists between the food stamp support provided and some households' nutritional and economic needs.