Knowledge and Perceptions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Eligible Purchases: A Survey of US Midwestern College Students.

Abstract

Little is known regarding the intrastudent barriers to accessing and utilising the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). To examine college students' knowledge of allowable items and perception of what items should be allowed for purchase with (SNAP) benefits, particularly by food security status and enrolment in SNAP in the past 12 months, a cross-sectional, online survey was conducted among 844 college students from nine higher education institutions in a single Midwestern state. Many students were unaware that certain food items were already covered by SNAP, leading them to express a desire for these items to be included. Additionally, there were misconceptions about the eligibility of nonfood items for purchase using SNAP benefits. Beyond traditional food items, students highly desired the inclusion of necessities such as toiletries and cooking equipment. Improved outreach and educational campaigns could be developed to clarify the eligible items and scope of the programme, enabling students to make informed decisions about their SNAP benefit usage.