JAFSCD peer-reviewed article by Thomas McClure (All Nations Health Center), Kim Gilchrist (Farm Connect Montana), Alexandrea Erin Manuel (U of Montana), Christian Goes-Ahead Lopez (All Nations Health Center), Cherith Smith (U of Montana), Jonathan Graham (U of Montana), Sarah Black (Missoula Public Health), and Blakely Brown (U of Montana)
The majority of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AIANs) live in urban areas, influenced in part by urban relocation programs established by the federal government in the 1950s that were intended to promote AIAN assimilation. Urban AIAN households face a disproportionately higher rate of health inequities than in non-Hispanic White households, including increased food insecurity. Additionally, urban AIAN households participate in nutrition support programs such as SNAP and WIC at higher rates than their urban counterparts. Therefore, understanding how urban AIANs participate in nutrition support and incentive programs, their health status and impacts on dietary intake can better inform policies to improve program design, implementation, and cultural adaptation to meet the needs and improve the health of urban AIAN populations.
In a new JAFSCD article, Assessing access and use of nutrition support programs, food insecurity, and health status in urban Native American families with young children in Montana: A case study, authors Thomas McClure, Kim Gilchrist, Ali Manuel, Christian Goes-Ahead Lopez, Cherith Smith, Jonathan Graham, Sarah Black, and Blakely Brown present findings from a cross-sectional case study assessing participation in, and use of, nutrition support programs, food insecurity, and health status of AIAN families with young children (ages 0–8) living in three urban areas in Montana.
Corresponding author Blakely Brown can be contacted at blakely.brown@mso.umt.edu.
KEY FINDINGS
Of the 177 survey participants, 54% were categorized as food insecure.
Participants’ food security was positively correlated with better scores for three out of six health domains: physical functioning, social functioning, and mental health.
In general, participants described positive interactions when accessing Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but frustrations with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Participants cited issues with the application process, including long call back or wait times, and difficulties getting questions answered and scheduling the required certification appointments.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
A significant study outcome is the advancement of knowledge of the lived experiences of urban AIAN households with young children and their interactions with nutritional support programs such as SNAP, WIC, and nutrition incentive programs. Our findings emphasize the need for policy changes that reduce administrative complexity, improve program visibility, and incorporate culturally tailored approaches to better serve the needs of a historically underrepresented population.
To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess participation and use of nutrition support programs in relation to food security and six health domains in urban AIANs living in Montana. Given the limited knowledge, further research is needed to explore how these programs affect food insecurity in urban and rural AIAN communities. Such studies should use rigorous methodologies, including longitudinal and prospective designs.
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How do SNAP and WIC programs shape food security and health in urban Native communities? A new study examines access, use, and impacts on health among Native families living in Great Falls, Billings, and Missoula, Montana. Read the full @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.144.022
#AIAN #Nativefamilies #Montana #SNAP #WIC #foodsecurity #health
“Feeding families means more than food.” Check out a new case study on nutrition support program use and health of urban Native families in Montana. Read the full @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.144.022
#AIAN #Nativefamilies #Montana #SNAP #WIC #foodsecurity #health
Feeding families should never be a struggle. Our research shows how Native families face barriers to accessing nutrition support programs and what that means for health. Read the full @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.144.022
#AIAN #Nativefamilies #Montana #SNAP #WIC #foodsecurity #health
Photo above: An attendee at the River Market in Missoula, Montana, learns about redeeming SNAP benefits; photo provided by the authors.
