(P05-005-23) SNAP Customers Who Fail to Use the Nutrition Incentive Program

Objectives: Despite efforts to promote increased intake of fruits and vegetables (FV), only 12% of US adults meet the Dietary Guideline’s recommendations for fruit intake and 9.3% meet the recommendations for vegetable intake. The provision of financial incentive for the purchase of FV at farmers markets and grocery stores is one strategy to promote the increased intake of FV. The present study was an evaluation of a bi-state program (Double Up Food Bucks Heartland; DUFB) that offered dollar-for-dollar point of purchase incentives to SNAP customers to purchase FV. We sought to understand SNAP participants’ perceptions and awareness of the program and to learn why some SNAP participants were not participating in the program.

Methods: During intercept surveys at farmers markets and grocery stores in 2021 and 2022, SNAP customers were asked if they had used the DUFB program during that day and if not, why not. Other demographic characteristics were also collected.

Results: Of 642 completed surveys, 265 SNAP customers (41%) did not participate in the DUFB program. Survey sites included farm stands (n=2), farmers markets (n=52), and grocery stores (n=211). SNAP customers were primarily female (81%), White (53%) or Black (35%) with an average age of 48 years. Most had been receiving SNAP benefits for more than one year (69%). When asked about their general health, 51% indicated it was fair to poor. Low to very low food security was prominent (63%). When asked why they had not participated in the DUFB program, 63% indicated they were not aware of the program or they did not understand the program. Others indicated they had no money left on the EBT card and some did not purchase produce that day. However, when asked how likely they were to participate in DUFB the next time they are shopping at the location, 98% indicated they would participate the next time.

Conclusions: A large number of SNAP-enrolled households are not taking advantage of the DUFB program. Eligible individuals and families are not aware of the program and do not understand how it works. Approaches to enhance awareness are needed to promote the program and bring attention to the benefits of participation. Tailoring outreach to maximize first-time use of the DUFB program among SNAP recipients is needed to facilitate integration of the program into regular shopping routines.

Funding Sources: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture