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Understanding SNAP: An overview of recent research

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  • Schanzenbach, Diane Whitmore
Abstract
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to purchase groceries to low-income Americans. It has substantial reach, providing benefits to about 1 out of every 8 Americans. This article outlines many of the important economic questions related to SNAP and highlights the difficulty in separating correlation and causation in estimating impacts of the program. It introduces a virtual special collection of selected scholarship on SNAP published in Elsevier journals such as Food Policy, the Journal of Public Economics, and others. The studies have substantially improved our understanding of the impacts of SNAP across a range of topics, from participation decisions and work incentives to impacts on dietary quality, food security and health.

Suggested Citation

  • Schanzenbach, Diane Whitmore, 2023. "Understanding SNAP: An overview of recent research," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:114:y:2023:i:c:s030691922200166x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2022.102397
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    28. East, Chloe N., 2018. "Immigrants’ labor supply response to Food Stamp access," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 202-226.
    29. Kim, Jiyoon, 2016. "Do SNAP participants expand non-food spending when they receive more SNAP Benefits?—Evidence from the 2009 SNAP benefits increase," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 9-20.
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    32. Katare, Bhagyashree & Binkley, James K. & Chen, Kaiyan, 2021. "Nutrition and diet quality of food at home by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) status," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    33. Burney, Shaheer & Boehm, Rebecca & Lopez, Rigoberto, 2021. "The impact of the ACA Medicaid expansion on SNAP participation," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
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    35. Nord, Mark & Prell, Mark A., 2011. "Food Security of SNAP Recipients Improved Following the 2009 Stimulus Package," Amber Waves:The Economics of Food, Farming, Natural Resources, and Rural America, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, pages 1-8.
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