Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Access at the State and County Levels: Evidence From Texas SNAP Administrative Records and the American Community Survey

Abstract

This report links Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative records from Texas to the American Community Survey (ACS) to estimate SNAP access rates for geographic and demographic subgroups, at both the State and county levels. The linked data allow us to measure SNAP participation more accurately than is possible with household survey data while also allowing us to estimate SNAP eligibility in the population. The large sample size of the ACS enables us to provide a breakdown of access rates by subgroups within the State and for demographic subgroups within the largest counties in Texas. The report provides Texas SNAP administrators with a profile of individuals who may benefit from expanded outreach.