SNAP-Based Incentives for Healthy Food Access: Comparing Socio-demographic Factors of SNAP Shoppers at Farmers Markets to SNAP Participants in Washington State

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The proliferation of SNAP-based incentive programs (SBIPs) at farmers markets across the country stems from public health efforts to increase low-income individuals’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables, yet little is known about the participants who use them. The present study compared population-based census and federal program demographic data for SNAP participants’ demographic data collected as part of a SBIP evaluation in Washington State. SBIP evaluation data were collected August – October 2014 at fourteen markets (six in Seattle; four in Skagit County; and four in Spokane County). With some exceptions, demographic characteristics of the 225 evaluation respondents were relatively consistent across the three SBIPs, and indicated that farmers market programs may not currently reach a representative sample of SNAP participants in terms of race, gender, and having children in the household. Further evaluation and research are needed to better understand the extent to which SBIPs reach populations at highest risk for low fruit and vegetable consumption.