This study engaged experts from diverse sectors to explore their opinions concerning the existing challenges to eating nutritiously in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program and propose strategies for improving the diets and health of SNAP recipients. The high cost of nutrient-rich foods, inadequate SNAP benefits amounts, and environmental factors associated with poverty were identified by respondents as challenges to improving the nutritional status of SNAP participants. Six themes emerged among respondents about how to address these challenges: providing SNAP participants with incentives to purchase nutrient-rich foods; restricting the purchase of nutrient-poor foods and beverages with program benefits, modifying the frequency of SNAP benefits distribution; enhancing nutrition education; improving the SNAP retailer environment; and increasing state- and federal-level coordination and consistency of program implementation.
A Qualitative Study of Diverse Experts’ Views About Barriers and Strategies to Improve the Diets and Health of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Beneficiaries
Published: January 2013
ID #: 68813
Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet
Authors: Leung CW, Hoffnagle EE, Lindsay AC, et al
Age Groups: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8), Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Adults and Families
Focus Areas: Food Access, Nutrition & Agriculture Policy and Programs, Pricing & Economics
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Resource Type: Journal Article
Keywords: Corner store, Farmers' markets, Food insecurity, Food outlet, Fruits and vegetables, Grocery store, Nutrition standards, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Supermarket, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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