(P24-133-23) Association Between Household Composition and Primary Caretaker’s Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among SNAP-Eligible Families

Objectives: In the US, low-income populations of color have the lowest fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, a risk factor for chronic diseases. Birth rates are also higher in these populations than in their counterparts, impacting household budget and food intake. Thus, assessing household composition is needed as it may affect disparities in nutrition. We assessed the association between household composition and primary caretaker’s FV intake among SNAP-eligible families in NYC.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 85 SNAP-eligible families (income < 130% of federal poverty level). A Qualtrics survey was used to assess: caretaker’s sociodemographics, household composition (size, number of children, ratio of adults to children, ratio of younger, < 5 years old, to older children, 6-10 years old, and number of children receiving free/reduced-price lunch at school), USDA 6-item food security, and caretaker’s FV intake via the National Cancer Institute Screener. FV intake was categorized as either meeting (≥3.5 servings/day) or not meeting Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. Log-binomial regression was used to assess the association between household composition and adherence to FV recommendation adjusted on caretaker’s age, sex, race, language, household food security, and SNAP participation.

Results: Participants were 30-39 years old (47%), female (94%), Hispanic (77%), food insecure (91%), and received SNAP in the past year (80%). Household size was 4.5±1.5 (mean±SD) with 2.4±1.3 adults and 2.0±0.9 children. Children included 1.3±0.8 ≤ aged 5, 0.7±0.8 aged 6-10, and 1.5±0.7 receiving free/reduced-price lunch. Caretaker consumed 3.7±2.2 FV servings/day with 49% meeting the recommendation. Caretakers with more children were more likely to meet FV recommendation (RR 1.3; p>.02). Having more children receiving free/reduced-price lunch was positively associated with meeting FV recommendation (RR < 1.4; p> .03).

Conclusions: Low-income, diverse primary caretakers with more children, especially those receiving free/reduced-price lunch at school, were more likely to meet FV recommendation than those with one child in the home. School meal participation may alleviate household food budget. Findings will inform future nutrition interventions for low-income families.

Funding Sources: Institute of Human Development and Social Change at New York University