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The Impact of SNAP on Material Hardships: Evidence From Broad‐Based Categorical Eligibility Expansions

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  • Jeehoon Han

Abstract

This article examines whether expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility reduces material hardships of low‐income households. During the Great Recession, many states expanded the income threshold of eligibility for SNAP. I show that expansions in eligibility increased the SNAP participation rate by 3–5 percentage points. I also find that the expansion leads to a modest decrease in nonfood hardships, such as rent and utility delinquencies. However, the increase in SNAP enrollment does not lead to greater food spending or a reduction in food insecurity except for households with children.

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  • Jeehoon Han, 2016. "The Impact of SNAP on Material Hardships: Evidence From Broad‐Based Categorical Eligibility Expansions," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 83(2), pages 464-486, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:83:y:2016:i:2:p:464-486
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.12171
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    1. Jones, Jordan & Courtemanche, Charles & Denteh, Augustine & Marton, James & Tchernis, Rusty, 2021. "Do State Snap Policies Influence Program Participation among Seniors?," IZA Discussion Papers 14564, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Flores-Lagunes, Alfonso & Jales, Hugo B. & Liu, Judith & Wilson, Norbert L., 2023. "Moving Policies Toward Racial and Ethnic Equality: The Case of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1272, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    3. Jordan W. Jones & Charles Courtemanche & Augustine Denteh & James Marton & Rusty Tchernis, 2022. "Do state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policies influence program participation among seniors?," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(2), pages 591-608, June.

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