The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of digital promotions of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fruit and vegetable incentive program on SNAP participant patronage and sales at farmers' markets. The study will analyze SNAP transactions from zip codes that receive digital promotions compared to zip codes that receive no additional promotions.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) financial incentives for fruits and vegetables (FV) increase FV purchases and consumption with long-term implications for nutrition-related chronic disease. However, many SNAP participants are not aware of these programs, leaving them underutilized. The investigators aim to assess if digital promotions of SNAP incentive programs increase SNAP patronage and sales at farmers' markets. Eligible farmers' markets in the New England Nutrition Incentives Collaborative (NENIC) will receive digital promotions for their SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive programs on the Fresh EBT app and Facebook, randomly assigned to nearby eligible zip codes. Eligible zip codes will be randomized to receive the intervention (digital promotion) or serve as a comparison (no additional promotion) with ads running for 13 weeks (Summer 2020 market season).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
251,966
Digital promotions on the Fresh EBT app and Facebook will run for 13 weeks, advertising a SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive at farmers' markets in New England. The intervention will be applied to zip codes randomized to the intervention arm.
Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Average number of market SNAP transactions by zip code for Summer 2020
Participating farmers' markets record individual SNAP transactions, including zip code, and upload transaction data to FM Tracks, an online platform for managing farmers' market sales. Average number of SNAP transactions will be computed.
Time frame: 13 weeks
Average market SNAP-related sales by zip code for Summer 2020
Participating farmers' markets record individual SNAP transactions, including zip code, and upload transaction data to FM Tracks, an online platform for managing farmers' market sales. Average SNAP Electronic Benefit sales and incentives distributed (in dollars) will be computed.
Time frame: 13 weeks
Average market new SNAP customers by zip code for Summer 2020
Participating farmers' markets record individual SNAP transactions, including zip code, and upload transaction data to FM Tracks, an online platform for managing farmers' market sales. Average number of new customers will be computed.
Time frame: 13 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.