Work

Ascertaining who is eligible for SNAP: Are we using the correct metric?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Extensive research has shown that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reduces food insecurity. This work, however, has generally defined eligibility based on only the gross income criterion (ignoring the asset and net income criteria). Using data from the 2018 Survey of Income and Program Participation, these central results emerge: the composition of eligible households differs by choice of metric; state's discretion to remove the asset test, compared to setting a higher gross income threshold, has a larger impact on the eligible sample; and previous research examining the effect of SNAP on food insecurity is likely robust to sample choice.

Source: Journal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

DOI: 10.1002/jaa2.70002

Authors: Min‐Fang Wei, Craig Gundersen

Institutions: National Taiwan University, Baylor University

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500