Abstract
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal food assistance program. Using in‐depth interviews, this study explored the opinions of leading experts concerning the existing challenges and innovative strategies to improving nutrition among SNAP recipients. Twenty‐seven individuals were interviewed from academic/research organizations, government, advocacy and industry groups. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for thematic content. Economic, political and environmental factors were identified as variables that influence nutrition among low‐income households including: the prohibitive cost of nutrient‐rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, inadequate SNAP benefit amounts and poverty‐related environmental factors. Respondents proposed multi‐level strategies to address these challenges, including providing incentives to purchase nutrient‐rich food; restricting the purchase of energy‐dense foods with minimal nutritional value with SNAP benefits; modifying when SNAP benefits are distributed; enhancing nutrition education; improving the SNAP retailer environment; and increasing state/federal coordination. Given the recent increase in SNAP enrollment, policymakers should consider implementing these strategies so the program continues to address food insecurity and provide a healthful diet for all SNAP beneficiaries.Grant Funding Source : Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Aetna Foundation; National Institutes of Health
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