Effect of change in the supplemental nutrition assistance program guidelines on vendor participation and availability of fresh produce

Introduction In January 2018, new vendor eligibility standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were fully implemented to increase availability of healthy staple and perishable foods. We examined changes in SNAP vendor participation and availability of fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) both short-term (2015 vs 2018) and long term (2003 vs 2018) in an urban, low-income community. Methods We conducted food store assessments from late June through early September of 2003, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018 in Albany, New York. SNAP status was assessed by using the US Department of Agriculture's list of SNAP-authorized stores and in-store verification. Results Numbers of SNAP vendors were 77 in 2003, 92 in 2009, 103 in 2012, 115 in 2015, and 109 in 2018. We observed a marginally significant (P = .049) short-term (2015, 85.9% vs 2018, 73.9%) decline in SNAP participation among convenience stores but no significant short-term changes in FFV availability among either SNAP or non-SNAP vendors. In long-term (2003 through 2018) trends, we found significant (P < .01) increases in SNAP participation among farmers markets and nonprofit organizations. The proportion of SNAP vendors stocking only 1 type of FFV also significantly increased, which was likely related to a consumer trend of favoring bananas as a grab-and-go snack. Conclusion Despite the decline of SNAP participation among convenience stores, which primarily came from increased program withdrawals, the new SNAP rule did not substantially alter FFV availability after 6 to 8 months of its full implementation. Long term, policy efforts increased SNAP participation among farmers markets.