Geographic Patterns of Applications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New Orleans, Louisiana in the Immediate Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examined geographic patterns of changes in the density of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications at the zip code level in New Orleans, LA in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (March–May 2020), compared to pre-pandemic times (March–May 2019). All zip codes analyzed experienced increases in SNAP application density, ranging from 25% to 360%. While disadvantaged zip codes had higher SNAP application densities at baseline, they experienced a comparatively lower increase across time. Results highlight the staggering need for food assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in areas with historically low need.