Disparities in Access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retailers Over Time and Space

Abstract

The largest public assistance program in the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), relies on private retailers for program access. We analyze geo-coded SNAP-authorized convenience and grocery stores in 2000 and 2010 to determine factors associated with their accessibility. Results demonstrate that accessibility was higher in areas with high rates of SNAP income-eligible individuals, but that some spatial disparity persists, particularly in areas with lower initial access and rural areas. Findings highlight the importance of SNAP-authorized convenience stores if markets continue to determine the location of SNAP access points.