Participation in food assistance programs modifies the relation of food insecurity with weight and depression in elders.

The relation of food insecurity in elders with outcomes such as overweight and depression, and the influence of participation in food assistance programs on these relations, has not been established. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between food insecurity and weight and depression in elders, and determine whether participation in food assistance programs modifies the effect of food insecurity on weight and depression. Two longitudinal data sets were used: the Health and Retirement Study (1996-2002) and the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (1995-2002). The relation of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programs was assessed by multilevel linear regression analysis. Food insecurity was positively related to weight and depression among elders. Some analyses supported that food-insecure elders who participated in food assistance programs were less likely to be overweight and depressed than those who did not participate in food assistance programs. This finding implies that food assistance programs can have both nutritional and non-nutritional impacts. The positive impact of participation in food assistance programs of reducing or preventing poor outcomes resulting from food insecurity will improve elders' quality of life, save on their healthcare expenses, and help to meet their nutritional needs.