Dataset Information

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.

SUBMITTER: Dunn CG

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8445848 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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