Measuring the Effects of a Demonstration to Reduce Childhood Food Insecurity: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Nevada Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Project

BackgroundTo reduce childhood hunger, the US Department of Agriculture funded a set demonstration projects, including Nevada Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids (HHFK) project.ObjectiveThe study objective was to test whether HHFK project reduced child food insecurity (FI-C) among low-income households with young children.DesignHouseholds were randomly assigned treatment and control groups, outcomes measured using household surveys administrative data. Survey data collected at baseline (n=3,088) follow-up (n=2,074) 8 12 months into project.Participants/settingEligible in Las Vegas, NV, had children under age 5 years, received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, incomes below 75% federal poverty level.InterventionBetween June 2016 May 2017, on SNAP an additional $40 monthly benefits per years.Main outcome measuresKey included FI-C (primary), security adults households, expenditures (secondary).Statistical analyses performedDifferences between groups estimated by logistic regression model controlling for characteristics. Analyses also performed socioeconomic subgroups.ResultsThe did not (treatment=31.2%, control=30.6%; P=0.620), very low (P=0.915), or (P=0.925). The increased households’ (including out-of-pocket purchases) $23 (P<0.001).ConclusionsA increasing Vegas income other food-insecurity measures. This finding runs counter prior research showing that similar forms assistance have insecurity. implemented during period substantial economic growth Vegas. Future should explore role context, children’s ages, determining how increases affect insecurity.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT 04253743 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)Funding/SupportThis article is published as part supplement supported Agriculture, Food Service.