To assist health professionals, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a fact sheet called Reaching Low-Income Hispanics with Nutrition Assistance.

According to the USDA, in 2004, one of seven people in the United States was of Hispanic origin, and nearly 34 percent were less than 18 years of age. Many Latinos participate in USDA nutrition assistance programs, but an estimated 25-50 percent of eligible Hispanics do not.

Reaching Low-Income Hispanics with Nutrition Assistance provides information on USDA nutrition assistance programs such as the Food Stamp Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

In addition, the fact sheet describes ongoing efforts by the USDA to address barriers, such as language and culture, to program participation among eligible Hispanics.

Health professionals or advocates who work with Hispanic women and families can access a variety of bilingual nutrition education materials, including Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Pyramid, Food Stamp Nutrition Connection, and Eat Smart. Play Hard.