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Do SNAP Recipients Get the Best Prices?

Author

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  • March, Raymond J.
  • Carpio, Carlos E.
  • Boonsaeng, Tullaya
  • Lyford, Conrad P.

Abstract

We developed an expensiveness index and used the Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey data set to examine empirically whether Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants pay higher prices compared with nonqualifying and qualifying, but nonparticipating, households. Purchasers’ ability to minimize food expenditures has significant effects on the program’s effectiveness and on participants’ food security. Using ordinary least squares and two techniques that control for the endogeneity of SNAP participation, we found no significant effect of SNAP participation on food prices. Moreover, we found that SNAP participants pay, on average, lower prices than do nonparticipants. We conclude by providing suggestions for policy improvements and implications for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • March, Raymond J. & Carpio, Carlos E. & Boonsaeng, Tullaya & Lyford, Conrad P., 2020. "Do SNAP Recipients Get the Best Prices?," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 52(1), pages 135-159, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jagaec:v:52:y:2020:i:1:p:135-159_9
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    Cited by:

    1. Wich, Hannah & Harris-Lagoudakis, Katherine, 2025. "Does SNAP participation increase bulk purchases?," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    2. Elina T Page & Elizabeth Larimore & John A Kirlin & Mark Denbaly, 2019. "The National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey: Innovations and Research Insights," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 41(2), pages 215-234, June.
    3. Acerenza, Santiago & Wich, Hannah & Bartalotti, Otavio & Kreider, Brent, 2025. "The Effect of SNAP Participation on Mental Health: Using Marginal Effects to Bound Average Effects," 2025 AAEA & WAEA Joint Annual Meeting, July 27-29, 2025, Denver, CO 360893, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    4. Pourya Valizadeh & Travis A. Smith & Michele Ver Ploeg, 2021. "Do SNAP Households Pay Different Prices throughout the Benefit Month?," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 43(3), pages 1051-1075, September.

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