The purpose of this project was to investigate the impact of Food Stamp reforms on the elderly population in Mississippi. The nature and extent of hunger, food insecurity, and nutritional health issues among elderly in the South were examined. This project was a unique combination of research and teaching, using a two-phase data collection process. In phase one of the study, students conducted 62 face-to-face interviews with elderly, collecting qualitative data used to develop the survey instrument for phase two of the study. Students were responsible for conducting telephone interviews during phase two of the study, resulting in a sample size of 212.

The purpose of this study was to explore the following issues: (a) whether the amount of food stamps currently received is adequate, (b) the effects food stamp reforms will have on the elderly, (c) the degree of hunger and food insecurity as well as the nutritional practices among low-income elderly in Mississippi, and (d) the characteristics of high-risk elderly populations.

Qualitative findings from phase one indicated that indeed hunger and food insecurity exist in Mississippi. It appeared that the major food issue affecting low-income elderly was the lack of sufficient money to purchase healthy foods including fresh produce and meat. Other issues that were observed included lack of access to transportation, poor overall health, and lack of nutrition education.

The results from phase two of the study more specifically addressed the objectives of the study. The first hypothesis for the study was low-income elderly living in Mississippi, currently receiving food stamps would have lower levels of hunger, food insecurity, and nutritional risk that those not receiving food stamps. This was tested by running an ANOVA comparing the hunger/food insecurity scores for those receiving food stamps and those not receiving food stamps. Results indicated that those currently receiving food assistance were at higher risk of food insecurity and/or hunger than non-recipients.

The second hypothesis for this study was there would be risk factors of low-income elderly in Mississippi that predict level of hunger, food insecurity, or nutritional risk. Regression analysis was run and results indicated that food stamp receipt, ethnicity, and whether or not the individual had adequate cooking utensils were significant predictors of level of hunger/food insecurity. Chi-square analysis was also run to help recognize risk factors of elderly experiencing food insecurity/hunger. Being African American, having lower levels of education, receiving Food Stamps, having experienced recent changes in weight, reporting poor health, eating fewer than two meals per day, often being without enough money to buy food, lacking adequate cooking utensils, and having tooth or mouth problems were the risk factors identified.

Results from this study indicate that the currently level of food assistance for elderly in Mississippi is inadequate. Further cutbacks will most likely have negative effects. The groups at highest risk need to be targeted with assistance efforts which may include nutrition education, transportation services, higher amounts of food assistance, or more food assistance program options.