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Objective
The objective of this study was to assess participant characteristics and evaluate usage of a fruit and vegetable (FV) incentive program for people with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at 4 supermarkets in New York City (NYC).
Use of Theory or Research
In 2017, NYC residents with low incomes reported consuming 1 serving less of FV per day on average than those with high incomes (3.1 vs 2.1). Cost is a barrier to healthy eating and research shows that financial incentives are a promising tool for making produce more affordable. A recent study demonstrated that offering a $0.30 match on every SNAP dollar spent on FV resulted in nearly a quarter-cup increase in consumption.
Target Audience
NYC residents enrolled in SNAP at 4 participating supermarkets.
Program Description
Utilizing supermarkets’ electronic point-of-sales systems and customer loyalty technology, participants get a dollar-for-dollar match on SNAP purchases of eligible FV. The electronic infrastructure streamlines incentive distribution and benefits are extended beyond fresh produce to frozen and canned FV and dried beans.
Evaluation Methods
At baseline, a 13-question survey collects participant demographics and supermarkets report incentive distribution and redemption monthly.
Results
From June 2019 through January 2020, 3,159 individuals enrolled in the program. The mean participant age was 49 years. Participants were predominantly female (84%), Hispanic or Latino (62%) and Black (25%). Thirty-four percent of participants reported a diagnosis of hypertension and 21% reported a diabetes diagnosis. Over $125,000 in incentives have been distributed through the program, 70% of which have been redeemed.
Conclusions
The majority of incentives distributed are redeemed and we anticipate the program will reach the intended audience.
Funding
USDA
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc.
