SNAP Decisions: Qualitative Research on the Perceived Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic and SNAP Benefit Changes on Food Purchases.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants experienced changes in benefits alongside the evolving social and economic environment. Understanding how these factors may have influenced food purchasing decisions can clarify SNAP's role in shaping diet quality. OBJECTIVE: To document SNAP participants' perspectives on how benefit changes during the pandemic influenced their food purchasing behaviors in the context of concurrent socioeconomic factors. DESIGN: This study used a qualitative semi-structured interview design. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: SNAP participants (n=47) who identified as regular shoppers of a large Northeastern supermarket chain (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont) and had previously completed a survey about pandemic food purchasing participated in virtual interviews between April and December 2024. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Themes related to the direct role of SNAP benefit amounts in food purchasing and the modifying role of other evolving social and economic factors were identified and interpreted. ANALYSES PERFORMED: Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using MaxQDA. Thematic content analysis was applied to identify themes. RESULTS: Six themes emerged related to participants' perceptions of SNAP benefit changes during the pandemic: (1) SNAP benefit increases improved food security and expanded food choices, (2) The SNAP benefit decrease worsened food security and limited food choices, (3) pandemic onset decreased fresh food purchases while increasing stockpiling of shelf-stable foods, (4) mid-pandemic, individuals returned to routines, including fresh food purchases and eating out, (5) post-pandemic economic pressures constrained food choices, and (6) other individual factors persistently influenced food purchasing. CONCLUSIONS: Participants perceived that SNAP increases expanded food security and choice, but external factors constrained their food choices. Policymakers seeking to improve diet quality should consider increasing SNAP benefits and improving access to affordable healthy options.