Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retailer Research Articles

Policy Opportunities and Legal Considerations to Reform SNAP-Authorized Food Retail Environments.

There is an invigorated national interest in nutrition security, with emphasis on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) playing a key role. To support healthy food purchasing, several strategies have emerged to modify the food retail environment. However, the legal feasibility of several such policy options has not been established. Research was conducted using Lexis+ to evaluate statutes, regulations, and case law to determine the legal feasibility of requiring retail-based SNAP signage and nutrition disclosures, healthy endcaps and checkout aisles, and tying advertising restrictions to the licensing of SNAP retailers. US in-store and online food retail retailers. Legal feasibility. Requiring retailers that designate certain foods or locations as SNAP-eligible to consistently do so in all SNAP-eligible pages/locations is likely feasible. If properly drafted to focus on the nutritional quality of food, healthy checkout and endcap restrictions are legally feasible. It is of unclear legal feasibility to require retailers (especially in-store) to disclose nutrition-related labeling, shelf tags, or nonfactual symbols indicating the relative healthfulness of products. Restricting or banning advertising is not legally feasible even if the government ties the restrictions to retail licensing requirements. Entities seeking to support healthy food retail should not seek to restrict advertising or compel retailers to convey messages against their interests. The government can license retailers and require them to abide by laws and other requirements that do not violate their constitutional rights. The government can also use its own speech through public service announcements, billboards, and transit advertising to encourage healthy food consumption for all shoppers including those who use SNAP. Additional research is warranted into online retail practices to evaluate variations in online checkout pages and to determine whether online retailers treat SNAP participants differently from non-SNAP participants.

Association of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retailers With Child Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This cross-sectional study of US Department of Agriculture and census data examines differences in child food insecurity and changes in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transit Access to Subsidized Food Stores in the U.S. Midwest

In the United States, low-income individuals and some racial and ethnic minorities have higher rates of transit use and food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides low-income households with money for groceries at authorized retailers, creates a unique food procurement environment for participants. In this article, transit networks’ effect on access to SNAP retailers is assessed by calculating transit travel times to all transitable SNAP stores of census block groups (CBGs) in thirty-three metropolitan areas in the U.S. Midwest. Low transit access CBGs are identified and compared to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) low-income, low-access (LILA) census tracts. Store type transit access ratios are analyzed to further specify disproportionate access to healthy food retailers. Findings indicate low transit access is experienced in fringe-urban, majority white, car-dependent CBGs. Approximately 24,380 people receiving public assistance, 145,636 Black people, 135,731 non-Black Hispanic people, and 108,325 low-income people live within these CBGs, however. The USDA’s LILA census tracts are more expansive than this study’s low-income, low-transit-access (LILTA) tracts. Despite being classified as rural, LILTA-only tracts had sixty-eight households without a vehicle, on average. Future research and policy should engage populations in suburban and exurban regions to accommodate transportation needs of a nonnegligible portion of potentially food-insecure households.

Proximity to SNAP-authorized retailers and child maltreatment reports

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been shown to have positive benefits for children. Families may face fewer barriers to accessing food they can purchase with their benefits if more stores in their neighborhoods accept SNAP benefits. We examine whether proximity to stores accepting SNAP benefits is related to child maltreatment (abuse and neglect) reports, particularly those potentially related to food insecurity. We combine geographically identified child maltreatment report data from the state of Connecticut from 2011 through 2015 with state SNAP-authorized retailer data. Using within-Census block group changes in the presence of a SNAP-authorized store, we find that in large, rural areas, one additional SNAP store is associated with a 4.4 percent decrease in the child maltreatment report rate (p < 0.05), and an 11.3 percent decrease in substantiated cases of maltreatment (p < 0.10), even net of changing zip code level factors and time-invariant neighborhood characteristics. The relationship between a neighborhood SNAP store and child maltreatment reports in these rural areas is largely driven by neglect, concentrated among young and school-aged children (ages 0–9), and primarily due to fewer reports by medical personnel. We find no effects of a neighborhood SNAP store on child maltreatment reports in smaller, more densely populated neighborhoods. Sensitivity checks affirm these results. Results indicate the benefits of access to SNAP retailers on the child welfare system and child well-being more broadly, especially in rural areas.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-Authorized Grocery, Convenience, Dollar, and Restaurant or Delivery Service Settings Are Associated With Increased Obesity Prevalence in Virginia.

United States Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants use SNAP-authorized stores for dietary purchases. Relationships between obesity prevalence and access to grocery and varied nontraditional (eg, dollar, drug, and convenience) SNAP settings are underexplored. This research aimed to determine the association of a full range of SNAP-authorized stores with obesity prevalence in Virginia. The SNAP Retailer Locator was used to cross-sectionally identify authorized stores, and county health ranking information was applied based on store location. Virginia, United States. The SNAP-authorized stores, classified among store categories: grocery or supermarket; drug; mass merchandiser; supercenter; convenience; dollar; club; other; nonfood store; farmers markets; and independent grocery stores. County-level obesity prevalence with income and rurality as potential confounders. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between county-level adult obesity prevalence and available SNAP-authorized store formats (P < .05 a priori). Store format was a predictor of obesity prevalence in Virginia in simple and adjusted models (R2 = 0.035, P < .0001 and R2 = 0.434, P < .0001, respectively). Grocery store or supermarket access was associated with obesity. The SNAP-authorized convenience, dollar, and nonfood stores were associated with a 0.3, 0.5, and 1.3 increase in county obesity prevalence, respectively (P < .05). Research, practice, and health policy approaches to improve grocery, convenience, dollar, and restaurant or delivery service settings may favorably influence community obesity prevalence in Virginia.

Disparities in Access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retailers Over Time and Space

The largest public assistance program in the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), relies on private retailers for program access. We analyze geo-coded SNAP-authorized convenience and grocery stores in 2000 and 2010 to determine factors associated with their accessibility. Results demonstrate that accessibility was higher in areas with high rates of SNAP income-eligible individuals, but that some spatial disparity persists, particularly in areas with lower initial access and rural areas. Findings highlight the importance of SNAP-authorized convenience stores if markets continue to determine the location of SNAP access points.

Rural corner store owners’ perceptions of stocking healthier foods in response to proposed SNAP retailer rule changes

PurposeTo better understand rural corner store owners’ perceptions about the then proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Retailer Rule. MethodsWe conducted 32 interviews with rural corner store owners across six states in response to USDA's proposed rule. We asked owners about potential barriers to and facilitators of stocking healthier foods. FindingsAmong the interviews, there were six main themes discussed: (1) SNAP Retailer Rule definition concerns; (2) challenges to implementation; (3) facilitators to implementation; (4) perceptions of SNAP customers; (5) benefits of being a participating retailer in SNAP; and (6) concerns about the threat to the store’s economic viability if required to carry additional healthier items in line with the proposed rule. ConclusionsRural corner stores need help promoting healthier food options, appropriately handling perishable items, finding suppliers that can adhere to their food delivery requirements, and maintaining their SNAP retailer license. Recognizing the implementation challenges of stocking healthier foods for corner stores and presenting feasible solutions to them can improve the likelihood of successful passages of healthy food access policies and programs. Future policies or programs focusing on stocking healthier foods should take into consideration rural corner stores’ unique geographic landscape and business practices.

Growth In SNAP Retailers Was Associated With Increased Client Enrollment In Georgia During The Great Recession.

Policies to improve food accessibility in underserved areas often use direct financial incentives to attract new food retailers. Our analysis of data on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Georgia before and after the Great Recession suggests that increased program enrollment improves access to food for SNAP beneficiaries by acting as an indirect subsidy to retailers. We divided food stores into four categories: large, midsize, small, and specialty retailers. Between 2008 and 2011 the number of SNAP enrollees increased by 87percent, and between 2007 and 2014 the number of SNAP retailers in Georgia increased by 82percent, primarily because of growth in the number of authorized small retailers. Inside metropolitan Atlanta, changes in the numbers of SNAP enrollees and authorized retailers were positively and significantly associated for small retailers. For the areas outside of metropolitan Atlanta, the association between changes in numbers of enrollees and authorized retailers was strongest for small retailers; more modest associations were also seen for large and specialty retailers. Policy makers should consider how retailers' sensitivity to and reliance on SNAP funding can be leveraged to improve not only food availability, but also access to healthy foods.

Availability of Foods and Beverages in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program−Authorized Dollar Stores in a Region of North Carolina

BackgroundThere are >25,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)−authorized dollar stores throughout the United States; many are located in lower-income neighborhoods and provide an accessible food and beverage source for area residents. ObjectiveThe purpose of this research was to determine the percent of food deserts within 16 counties in North Carolina that include a SNAP dollar store; examine the types of foods and beverages at SNAP dollar stores in these counties; test whether the foods and beverages offered vary by SNAP dollar store chain; and test whether the foods and beverages available differ by rural and urban location. DesignThis cross-sectional study used a combination of publicly available data and primary data to investigate the research questions. Secondary data sources were obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s SNAP retailer locator, the US Census, and the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Access Research Atlas. Availability of foods and beverages was assessed among a sample of 90 SNAP dollar stores in 16 counties in southern and western sections of North Carolina. Data were collected in June 2014. ResultsAbout half (52%) of the food deserts in the research area included a SNAP dollar store. Most of the sampled stores sold healthier food staples, such as frozen meats, brown rice, 100% whole-wheat bread, and dried beans. None of the stores sold fresh fruits or vegetables. Some of the foods and beverages offered (eg, frozen fruit, frozen unseasoned vegetables, nonfat or low-fat milk, frozen ground beef) varied by SNAP dollar store chain. The foods and beverages offered did not differ by rural or urban county location. ConclusionsSNAP dollar stores offer a number of healthy food staples; however, they do not sell fresh fruits or vegetables. Further food environment research should include dollar stores.

Strategies to improve the dietary quality of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries: an assessment of stakeholder opinions

To examine the opinions of stakeholders on strategies to improve dietary quality of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. Participants answered a thirty-eight-item web-based survey assessing opinions and perceptions of SNAP and programme policy changes. Survey of 522 individuals with stakeholder interest in SNAP, conducted in October through December 2011. The top three barriers to improving dietary quality identified were: (i) unhealthy foods marketed in low-income communities; (ii) the high cost of healthy foods; and (iii) lifestyle challenges faced by low-income individuals. Many respondents (70 %) also disagreed that current SNAP benefit levels were adequate to maintain a healthy diet. Stakeholders believed that vouchers, coupons or monetary incentives for purchasing healthful foods might have the greatest potential for improving the diets of SNAP participants. Many respondents (78 %) agreed that sodas should not be eligible for purchases with SNAP benefits. More than half (55 %) believed retailers could easily implement such restrictions. A majority of respondents (58 %) agreed that stores should stock a minimum quantity of healthful foods in order to be certified as a SNAP retailer, and most respondents (83 %) believed that the US Department of Agriculture should collect data on the foods purchased with SNAP benefits. Results suggest that there is broad stakeholder support for policies that align SNAP purchase eligibility with national public health goals of reducing food insecurity, improving nutrition and preventing obesity.

Access to SNAP-Authorized Food Stores and Nutrition Outcomes of SNAP-Participating Adolescents

The environments in which people make food decisions can affect their diet quality and health. This study evaluates how access to food stores authorized to access benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is related to food security, body weight, and food consumption outcomes among SNAP-participating adolescents. The analysis is based on 2007 data on eighth-grade students in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (ECLS-K) and US Department of Agriculture administrative data on all SNAP-authorized food stores in 40 states (n = 151 155). Access is assessed based on the proximity to and density of SNAP retailers within a buffer of the participants' residences. There is substantial variation across states in the availability of SNAP-authorized food stores. Access to such retailers plays a different role in affecting nutrition outcomes of SNAP-participating adolescents depending on their residence in urban, suburban, or rural areas.

A Qualitative Study of Diverse Experts' Views about Barriers and Strategies to Improve the Diets and Health of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Beneficiaries

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest federal food assistance program, currently serves 44.7 million Americans with a budget of $75 billion in 2011. This study engaged leading experts for in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore their opinions concerning the existing challenges and barriers to eating nutritiously in SNAP. Experts also proposed strategies for improving nutritional status among SNAP recipients. Twenty-seven individuals were interviewed from advocacy, government, industry, and research organizations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for thematic content. The high cost of nutrient-rich foods, inadequate SNAP benefits, limited access to purchasing healthy foods, and environmental factors associated with poverty were identified as barriers that influence nutrition among low-income households in the United States. Six themes emerged among respondents from diverse sectors about how to address these challenges, including providing SNAP participants with incentives to purchase nutrient-rich food consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, restricting the purchase of nutrient-poor foods and beverages with program benefits, modifying the frequency of SNAP benefit distribution, enhancing nutrition education, improving the SNAP retailer environment, and increasing state and federal level coordination and consistency of program implementation. Given the recent dramatic increase in SNAP enrollment, policymakers must address existing barriers as well as consider new strategies to improve nutrition policies in SNAP so that the program can continue to address food insecurity needs as well as provide a healthful diet for SNAP beneficiaries.

Improving Nutrition in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A Qualitative Study

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