<strong>Tracking Double-up Food Bucks (DUFB) Program Use Among Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) Recipients and the Implications for Healthy Food Access</strong>

Abstract

Acceptance of SNAP benefits has increased in farmers&amp;rsquo; markets (FM) over the years. However, getting SNAP recipients to take up the opportunity of extra dollars for healthy food options remains a challenge. Thus, we tracked the use of the Double-up Food Buck (DUFB) program among SNAP recipients who visit participating FMs in Utah to understand the unique characteristics of the program users. Our results identified varying types of program users (multiple and single market shoppers, more frequent and less frequent shoppers). While our findings indicate a higher DUFB transaction in token value among frequent users, larger markets are more likely to have higher DUFB transactions with a higher number of market visits compared to smaller ones. In conclusion, while all types of users may add to the total revenue generated by participating FM, additional initiatives are required to encourage frequent visits and uptake of the program for better access to healthy foods.

Higher Fruit and Vegetable Intake Is Associated with Participation in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Program

“…However, this result should be interpreted with caution because of the extremely small sample size. A previous study found that frequent FM shoppers received a larger quantity of DUFB tokens over the market season, which theoretically should result in larger F&V purchase and consumption [ 26 ].…”

Untitled

“…Throughout this paper, both NI and PPR projects will be collectively referred to as "healthy food financial incentive projects." There is growing evidence that supports the effectiveness of healthy food financial incentives on increasing participant FV intake and food security Atoloye & Durward, 2020;Moran et al, 2019;Parks et al, 2021) as well as support highlighting the economic benefits for local food economies and retailers Basu et al, 2013;Choi et al, 2017;Dimitri et al, 2015).…”

Which Program Implementation Factors Lead to more Fruit and Vegetable Purchases? An Exploratory Analysis of Nutrition Incentive Programs across the United States

“…Growing evidence supports the effectiveness of financial incentives among participants, with research demonstrating increased FV intake and food security [ [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] ]. Furthermore, some research focused on program implementation factors has helped to build the “business case” for NI programs.…”