Year 1
2022-2023
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:
- 6 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 Services (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
- Promote SNAP in schools