Journal of Current Research in Food Science

Food insecurity and suboptimal maternal nutrition remain persistent challenges in the United States, particularly among low-income populations relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Policymakers have increasingly debated whether introducing restrictions or prescriptions within SNAP such as limiting purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages or incentivizing fruit and vegetable consumption can improve dietary outcomes without compromising food security.

This study simulated a prescription-based SNAP framework, conceptually modeled after federal nutrition incentive programs such as the Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), to compare its short-term behavioral effects with those of the standard, unrestricted SNAP model, focusing on maternal diet quality and household food security. Drawing on experimental and quasi-experimental evidence from recent pilot programs, the analysis evaluates dietary intake patterns using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and food security status through USDA’s validated survey modules.