Geo-spatial pattern determination for SNAP eligibility in Iowa using GIS

Abstract

U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers SNAP - to assist low income citizens at the federal level, delegating the benefits distribution to the states. To avail the SNAP benefits the target population should be 50% or more low income (185% of federal poverty level) defined. This work is intended to examine the spatial pattern of eligibility for SNAP in Iowa using GIS technology. Due to unavailability of income data on individual participant, this research employs the census tracts data as the finest spatial granularity. Using GIS technology, the tracts - meeting the income criteria for SNAP eligibility - are rendered on their county map with distinguish rendition pattern, differentiating them from unqualified ones. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.