Trauma-Informed Financial Empowerment Programming Improves Food Security Among Families With Young Children

ObjectiveTo determine how trauma-informed programming affects household food insecurity (HFI) over 12 months.DesignChange was assessed in HFI from baseline to 12 months in response to a single-arm cohort intervention. Measures were taken at baseline and in every quarter. Two participant groups were compared: participation in ≥4 sessions (full participation) vs participation in <4 sessions (low/no participation).SettingCommunity-based setting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsA total of 372 parents of children aged <6 years, participating in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, recruited from county assistance offices and community-based settings.InterventionTrauma-informed programming incorporates healing-centered approaches to address previous exposures to trauma. Sixteen sessions addressed emotional management, social and family dynamics related to violence exposure and childhood adversity, and financial skills.Main Outcome MeasuresHousehold food insecurity, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module.AnalysisMixed-effects logistic regression models were used to compare groups from baseline to 12 months, controlling for adverse childhood experiences, depression, and public assistance.ResultsThose with full participation had 55% lower odds of facing HFI compared with the low/no participation group (adjusted odds ratio = 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.90).Conclusions and ImplicationsTrauma-informed programming can reduce the odds of HFI and may reduce trauma-related symptoms associated with depression and poverty.