Nebraska Double Up Food Bucks Increases Purchases of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Among SNAP Users

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Nebraska Double Up Food Bucks (NDUFB) is an incentive program intended to increase the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The objective of the NDUFB program is to provide evidence and best practices for implementing a sustainable Policy, System, and Environmental (PSE) program to improve food security and diet quality among SNAP recipients. Methods Program site selection was dependent on the availability of funding, organizational capacity, and technology levels (POS machine) of the business, geographical location, and the capacity of local Extension staff in the area. At participating sites, SNAP recipients use the program by purchasing qualifying items with their federal benefits (EBT card) to earn NDUFB in equal amounts (in $2 increments) up to $20 per day. NDUFB can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs (F&V) at any participating site that day or any day in the future during site's normal business hours. Evaluation includes a mixed methods approach including customer, vendor and manager surveys, tracking purchases (customer logs and receipts) and redemptions (bank records) as well as qualitative feedback and satisfaction. Intervention took place June 2017- December 2019. Results On average, 74% of NDUFB customer survey respondents (n = 96) self-identified as food insecure. There were positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlations between how long respondents reported using NDUFB and the following: ease of using NDUFB to buy F&V and consumption of green leafy or lettuce salads, non-fried kinds of potatoes, and other vegetables. In total, SNAP recipients used NDUFB to purchase over $40,000 worth of F&V. This dollar amount is on top of the money they spent on F&V ($67,052) to earn NDUFB. All together, the program contributed to over $107,000 worth of F&V spending among 1342 families. Redemption rate for NDUFB is 80%, an industry leader in nutrition incentive programs. Conclusions The primary outcomes of the study include increased purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on locally grown produce among SNAP recipients. In addition, we show an increased use of the program by customers and retailers each year. Funding Sources Children's Hospital & Medical Center, CHI Health, SNAP-Ed, USDA NIFA.