Informing equitable implementation of SNAP food restriction waivers

Start Date: November 2025

ID #: 383003371

Organization: Center for Nutrition and Health Impact (CNHI)

Project Lead: Betsy Anderson Steeves, PhD, RDN

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SNAP is the largest federally funded nutrition assistance program in the U.S., providing support to more than 40 million Americans. This study aims to provide tangible information, insights, and resources grounded in SNAP participants’ preferences and feedback to support the implementation and communication of SNAP Food Restriction waivers, minimizing barriers to SNAP participation and benefit utilization. Aim 1 will conduct a content analysis of waiver-related documents (requests, approvals, terms/conditions, and relevant state bills). Aim 2 will assess SNAP participants’ understanding, perceptions, and needs related to their state’s waiver through a Qualtrics survey of 1,200 SNAP households, using quotas to ensure diverse representation. Aim 3 is to develop and rapidly disseminate a publicly available SNAP policy brief and peer-reviewed manuscripts summarizing findings from Aims 1 and 2.

Age Group: Adults and Families

Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, American Indian, Asian, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White

Resource Type: Commissioned Research Project Summary

Keywords: Law/policy, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Focus Area: Nutrition Policy & Programs

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