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From paper to plastic: How the transition to EBT affected SNAP enrollment

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  • Melvin, Shamar
  • Smith, Travis A.

Abstract

We duplicate and then build upon Ganong and Liebman (2018) work documenting the effects of unemployment and state policies on enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly The Food Stamp Program). Using the same data and modeling approach, we focus on changes in SNAP enrollment due to counties transitioning from paper vouchers (“stamps”) to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. We find the transition to EBT increased SNAP enrollment by roughly 12 percent. Results are robust across several specifications.

Suggested Citation

  • Melvin, Shamar & Smith, Travis A., 2022. "From paper to plastic: How the transition to EBT affected SNAP enrollment," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:220:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522003263
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110852
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    References listed on IDEAS

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