The Hunger Cliff and Impact on Customers at Local Markets: Evidence From Virginia Fresh Match

Abstract

Background

Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is a network of farmer's markets, mobile markets, and community food stores across Virginia. VFM locations offer nutrition incentives that double the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars spent on fruits and vegetables. Federal emergency allotments for SNAP ended in March 2023 and Virginians experienced cuts to SNAP benefits (average $82/month). Little is known about the impact of benefit reductions on household food security and shopping habits of nutrition incentive program participants.

Objective

To determine the impact of the reduction in SNAP benefits on VFM customers' food security status and shopping habits at local markets.

Study Design, Settings, Participants

Customers using SNAP-EBT and VFM were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey from the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (NTAE) with additional VFM-specific questions. Paper surveys (n=215) were collected on-site at VFM outlets and entered into Qualtrics.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

The survey included sections on demographics, program participation, shopping experience, the impact of SNAP benefit cuts, and the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module (6-item). Descriptive statistics were computed.

Results

Although 23% of VFM customers experienced no cuts, nearly half (45%) faced a reduction in their SNAP benefits of at least $100 per month. From 2022 to 2023, participants experienced a 5 percentage point increase in household food insecurity, and 60% reported low or very low food security in 2023. Customers with very low food security (49%) and low food security (51%) were more likely to report cuts of at least $100 per month compared to those with high food security (29%). Customers (76%) struggled to purchase enough food, and 74% experienced high stress due to the loss of benefits. VFM customers disclosed shopping for food less often (69%) and changing how (81%) and where (72%) they shop.

Conclusions

Customers with lower food security experienced steeper SNAP cuts, further jeopardizing the quality and quantity of their food, and thereby increasing their stress.

Funding

NIFA, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services