SNAP Food Purchase Restrictions and Retailer Availability: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis

Introduction States have begun implementing waivers that prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to purchase selected foods and beverages. We assessed whether these restrictions were associated with changes in the availability of SNAP-authorized convenience stores, supermarkets, and superstores. Methods We analyzed repeated observations from 83,697 Census tracts from January 2025 through June 2026. Difference-in-differences models compared changes in retailer availability in states implementing waivers with concurrent changes in states without implemented waivers. Results Waiver implementation was associated with a 1.4% decline in SNAP-authorized convenience stores, equivalent to 3.0 fewer stores per 100 tracts (95% CI, −5.7 to −0.4; P=0.03), but not with a significant change in supermarkets or superstores. The largest declines in convenience stores occurred among states restricting beverages and candy (−2.2%; −4.9 stores per 100 tracts; 95% CI, −6.9 to −2.9; P<0.01). Conclusion SNAP food restrictions were associated with reduced availability of SNAP-authorized convenience stores but not supermarkets or superstores. Continued monitoring is warranted as these policies expand.