New research shows when, why refugees face greater food insecurity

SALT LAKE CITY — New research from the University of Utah Health finds that refugees in the U.S. often face greater food insecurity after securing their first job, but before they’re stable enough to live comfortably.

Dr. Nasser Sharareh, a research assistant professor at the University of Utah Health, said two things typically contribute to this.

“So the problem is that they’re going to lose their SNAP benefits when they find a job, and then they do not have enough savings or a strong social network to help them in those difficult times,” Sharareh said.

The other hurdle is that refugees often don’t realize they have to reapply for those benefits.

“Refugees, when we interview them, they said, ‘We need more SNAP benefits and to extend and improve SNAP benefits,'” Sharareh explained.

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