The ongoing saga around federal nutrition aid is yet another moment that highlights how food insecurity can lead to long-term health consequences, according to Seattle-area dietitians.

The future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which feeds roughly 42 million Americans, remained uncertain Monday, as the longest government shutdown in history continued. For many communities, losing access to SNAP benefits would likely translate to higher rates of food insecurity — which extensive research has shown is linked to serious health issues, from diabetes to cognitive decline.

"It's rare to have one of those areas as a researcher where … on a particular question, we know enough," said Marie Spiker, a registered dietitian and researcher at the University of Washington's School of Public Health. "But we've established that food insecurity is bad for health, both physical and mental health, at every stage of the life course."

The shutdown has meant the federal government failed to renew food benefits on Nov. 1, and has since gone back and forth on whether (and to what extent) aid will be restored for the rest of the month. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs SNAP, said last week it would comply with federal court orders to release full November benefits, allowing states — including Washington — to start issuing November aid, the agency backtracked over the weekend. Now, the federal government is ordering states to undo any steps taken to provide full benefits.

Nearly 930,000 people in Washington were enrolled in SNAP as of September, receiving more than $173 million in monthly food benefits, according to federal data. More than half are a member of a family with children.

Here are some health impacts Spiker and other nutrition experts say people could experience when access to food dwindles.

Chronic disease

Poor nutrition is linked to higher rates of chronic disease, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and obesity, research shows.

“Without access to healthy foods, people have to turn to low-cost or calorie-dense options, which can lead to more chronic disease and malnutrition," said Chelsey Lindahl, a registered dietitian and a manager at MultiCare’s Center for Health Equity and Wellness.

One study published in JAMA Cardiology this year found people experiencing food insecurity had a 41% higher risk of developing heart disease in middle age, compared with people with secure access to food. The research noted that while food security is a factor, other systemic barriers, like housing stability and access to transportation, also play a role in increased health issues.

Dental conditions

Diet and nutrition also have significant impacts on oral health, according to the American Dental Association.

It's fairly well understood that sugary or high-carbohydrate foods — often cheaper or more readily available — contribute to cavities, or dental caries, the national association wrote on an online resource page. A study published in the online journal Frontiers in Oral Health last year found people with food insecurity are more prone to cavities, and experience a higher rate of tooth loss and poorer overall oral health.

Mental health impacts

Skipping even a few meals or going a day without eating can be stressful. Research shows over time, eating irregularly can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression. Studies have also shown lower-income people have lower rates of psychological distress after starting to receive SNAP benefits.

Food insecurity can also contribute to accelerated cognitive decline among older adults, who made up about 20% of SNAP recipients as of 2023, according to the Department of Agriculture, which runs the federal nutrition program.

"If (older adults) are experiencing social isolation or lack of transportation, their needs are more likely to go unseen or unnoticed as access becomes a greater issue," Lindahl said. "They may experience the most challenges."

Delayed development

Research also shows children who experience food insecurity, especially infants, might be at higher risk of asthma, anemia and emergency department visits, which ultimately changes how a child's brain and body grows, experts said.

In times when there have been formula shortages, for example, more babies were coming through the ER with dehydration and malnourishment, said Chris Ladish, a pediatric psychologist at Mary Bridge Children's health center.

The higher rates of asthma or emergency department visits are likely due to a child's overall decreased or delayed access to health care, said Spiker, the UW registered dietitian and researcher.

"When we put things off like prevention or diagnosis, we tend to see worse health outcomes down the line," Spiker said. For students, not having enough food can really hinder academic achievement, she added.

"Access to healthy food is one of the most powerful tools that we have for prevention and overall health and well-being," Lindahl said.

_____

© 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.