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SNAP Acceptance

Variable Definitions:
SNAP Acceptance: The number of stores and food providers that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in an area

Methodology Note:

The original data comes at the point level. Our team geocoded the locations to generate X/Y coordinates, then spatial joined each point to 2020 Census Tracts.

 

Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) SNAP Locator

Years Available:
2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022

*Data for 2020 is unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why are these variables important to measure?

SNAP Accepting Institutions
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that offers nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible households receive a stipend each month that can be used exclusively at grocery stores and food providers that accept SNAP benefits. The number of stores and institutions accepting SNAP benefits in an area is one way to measure the access that low-income households have to affordable food and nutrition.

Citation:
“Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP).” United States Department of Agriculture: Food and Nutrition Service, 16 January 2018. Link

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