The Rutgers SNAP Gap Project explored perceived barriers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in families that have children that participate in the Free and Reduced-Price School Meal program. Focus groups were held in English and Spanish at twelve school districts across New Jersey. There were 19 groups in 2023 and 12 in 2024, with a total of 228 caregivers sharing their impressions about SNAP. The research team interviewed SNAP administrators at the county level and school administrators to learn more about their perspectives on SNAP as well. Finally, schools were given funding to hold events and create projects that promoted SNAP to their communities in a culturally appropriate and stigma free manner.
Research
2023-2024 (Year 2)
Methods
Caregivers 12 focus groups (8 English, 4 Spanish; 115 participants, X min each, completed April – June 2024, conducted by: The Research Team – Jennifer Taylor, Veronica Jones, Ricardo Kairios, Delma Yorimoto, and Denise Dean)
Caregiver Surveys: 931
School Staff Surveys: 134
School Administrators Interviews: 4 interviews (X online, X in-person; X minutes each; completed September-? 2024; conducted by: Jennifer Taylor)
Schools: 12 districts, selected on varying factors: geographic reach, ethnic and racial diversity, SNAP eligibility, rates of free and reduced meal participation
This study was approved by Rutgers IRB
Results
In process…
2022-2023 (Year 1)
Methods
Caregivers 19 focus groups (15 English, 4 Spanish; 113 participants, 90 min each, completed April – June 2023, conducted by: The Melior Group)
County SNAP Administrators (5 interviews; 3 online, 2 in-person; 45-60 minutes each; completed April-June 2023; conducted by: The Melior Group)
Schools: 19 districts, selected on varying factors: geographic reach, ethnic and racial diversity, SNAP eligibility, rates of free and reduced meal participation
This study was approved by Rutgers IRB.
Findings
Caregiver Focus Groups Identified Issues
- Awareness and understanding of SNAP:
- Unfamiliar with SNAP,
- Unaware of the $95 month minimum
- SNAP application process:
- Do not want to apply because of family or friends’ poor experience,
- felt it was intrusive,
- challenging relationship with Board of Social Servies (BSS),
- translation concerns for Spanish speaking applicants
County SNAP Administrator Identified Issues
- SNAP eligibility:
- Federal Poverty Level is too restrictive for cost of living in NJ,
- Issues in the SNAP application process,
- Concerns about backlog,
- requested up to date electronic verification and internal systems,
- Language and comprehension barriers
Proposed Solutions
- Increase SNAP promotion,
- ensure all outreach is accurate,
- streamline the SNAP process,
- and promote SNAP in schools