Behavioral Economics and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:: Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

Am J Prev Med. 2017 Feb;52(2S2):S145-S150. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.08.017.

Abstract

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves as an important nutritional safety net program for many Americans. Given its aim to use traditional economic levers to provide access to food, the SNAP program includes minimal nutritional requirements and restrictions. As food choices are influenced by more than just economic constraints, behavioral economics may offer insights and tools for altering food purchases for SNAP users. This manuscript outlines behavioral economics strategies that have potential to encourage healthier food choices within the SNAP program.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Choice Behavior*
  • Commerce
  • Economics, Behavioral
  • Food / economics
  • Food / standards
  • Food Assistance / economics*
  • Food Preferences*
  • Food Supply / economics
  • Food Supply / standards*
  • Humans
  • Nutritive Value
  • Poverty
  • United States