Major
Politics
Research Abstract
Many shoppers order groceries online to avoid COVID-19 exposure, but SNAP participants have less access to this option. Since March 2020, the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot (OPP) has expanded from 6 to 48 states and 8 to 12 retailers, but many still lack access. If improved, the program could increase fresh grocery availability in low-access areas and advance food security, nutrition, and health equity. In our research, we highlight barriers preventing the equitable expansion and use of SNAP OPP to inform policy and address income-based health disparities. Using data acquired through SNAP office communications and public records requests, we analyzed state-by-state SNAP OPP participation, and access barriers in California by age, race, ethnicity, disability, income, household composition, digital access, and rurality. In some states, 0.5-5.0% of SNAP transactions occurred online, and 1.5-19.4% of SNAP participants used the program. The average SNAP Online transaction constituted 31-76% of the average SNAP monthly benefit. Usage, however, appears to plateau after several months. In June 2020, 17% of California’s SNAP participants were not reached through SNAP online delivery, and program malfunctions were prevalent. SNAP OPP’s rapid uptake exhibits potential, but coverage gaps and technical and affordability-related barriers may prevent access. The USDA could approve additional retailers and regulate data and marketing practices to enhance SNAP OPP and prevent targeting of low-income and SNAP shoppers. Retailers can contribute by expanding fresh grocery delivery and improving online shopping interfaces. To take action, we created guides to help shoppers use SNAP online delivery.
Faculty Mentor/Advisor
Keally D McBride
m4a
AngelinaPolselli_SNAP_politics_poster.pptx (538 kB)
PowerPoint
Understanding Nationwide Uptake: An Analysis of SNAP Online Purchasing Program
Many shoppers order groceries online to avoid COVID-19 exposure, but SNAP participants have less access to this option. Since March 2020, the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot (OPP) has expanded from 6 to 48 states and 8 to 12 retailers, but many still lack access. If improved, the program could increase fresh grocery availability in low-access areas and advance food security, nutrition, and health equity. In our research, we highlight barriers preventing the equitable expansion and use of SNAP OPP to inform policy and address income-based health disparities. Using data acquired through SNAP office communications and public records requests, we analyzed state-by-state SNAP OPP participation, and access barriers in California by age, race, ethnicity, disability, income, household composition, digital access, and rurality. In some states, 0.5-5.0% of SNAP transactions occurred online, and 1.5-19.4% of SNAP participants used the program. The average SNAP Online transaction constituted 31-76% of the average SNAP monthly benefit. Usage, however, appears to plateau after several months. In June 2020, 17% of California’s SNAP participants were not reached through SNAP online delivery, and program malfunctions were prevalent. SNAP OPP’s rapid uptake exhibits potential, but coverage gaps and technical and affordability-related barriers may prevent access. The USDA could approve additional retailers and regulate data and marketing practices to enhance SNAP OPP and prevent targeting of low-income and SNAP shoppers. Retailers can contribute by expanding fresh grocery delivery and improving online shopping interfaces. To take action, we created guides to help shoppers use SNAP online delivery.
