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The Role of Social Food Infrastructure in Addressing SNAP Participation Gaps: Evidence From Linked Administrative and Ground‐Sourced Data

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Lotspeich‐Yadao
  • Caitlin Kownacki
  • Jennifer McCaffrey
  • Craig Wesley Carpenter

Abstract

We link American Community Survey and SNAP records for 185,000 units with ground‐sourced social food infrastructure data from FindFoodIL (Illinois Extension SNAP‐Ed) to examine SNAP participation determinants among eligible units. Bivariate probit models reveal, beyond SNAP offices, quantity of social infrastructure is associated with participation: each additional senior program is associated with 5.89 percentage points (pp) higher participation probability, school/summer meal sites with 3.84 pp, and food pantries with 2.94 pp, potentially through trust, repeated contact, and navigation assistance. This first macro‐level quantitative evidence shows policymakers that embedding enrollment assistance within institutions already serving eligible families—schools, senior centers, food pantries—is associated with reduced SNAP participation gaps. JEL Classification: I38, Q18, R23, R58

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Lotspeich‐Yadao & Caitlin Kownacki & Jennifer McCaffrey & Craig Wesley Carpenter, 2026. "The Role of Social Food Infrastructure in Addressing SNAP Participation Gaps: Evidence From Linked Administrative and Ground‐Sourced Data," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 48(3), pages 545-564, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:48:y:2026:i:3:p:545-564
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.70072
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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