Nationwide Assessment of SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot State Communication Efforts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a nationwide assessment of communication by participating states and Washington DC about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Online Purchasing Pilot expansion.

Design: Systematic coding of official communication from state and DC SNAP administrating agencies.

Participants: Forty-six states and DC approved to participate in the pilot as of October 2020 (n = 47). Data were collected from official SNAP administrating agency websites, state press releases, and state emergency coronavirus disease 2019 websites.

Variables measured: Four domains were collected from communication materials: (1) program information, (2) retailer information, (3) health and nutrition information, and (4) communication accessibility.

Analysis: Qualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics.

Results: Thirty-four (72%) states issued an official press release about the pilot that was easily accessible through online searches (15 available in multiple languages), 21 (45%) included information on their SNAP agency website, and 15 (32%) included information on their official coronavirus disease 2019 website. Most states identified authorized retailers (n = 37; 79%), provided information about pickup/delivery (n = 31; 66%), and stated the SNAP online start date (n = 29; 62%). About a quarter of states (n = 12; 26%) provided information about nutrition and health.

Conclusions and implications: State communication about the SNAP online pilot mostly focused on basic program and retailer information and included limited information about nutrition and health.

Keywords: COVID-19; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; grocery; nutrition education; online shopping.