First state-level SNAP fresh produce incentive program shows promise and room to grow

Investigators found modest, but statistically insignificant, increases in fruit and vegetable consumption during these first months compared to the control in Connecticut. In other words, while Rhode Island participants ate slightly more produce after the program began, the change wasn’t significantly different compared to those who didn’t receive the same incentive.

Researchers say low awareness, limited store access and practical barriers likely affected early uptake. For instance, only about one in three participants could correctly describe what Eat Well, Be Well offers and just one in four reported using the discount. And while the program launched with two large retail partners, relying solely on those stores meant excluding many SNAP participants who shop at different grocery stores, markets or neighborhood stores. 

“Some families also may have found produce prices still too high even with the incentive,” Tovar said. “Others may have faced limited transportation options that made it harder to reach participating retailers.”

The study also found that participants who already ate higher amounts of fruits and vegetables before the program saw the greatest increases afterward. That may be because they were more motivated to make healthy choices, had established preferences for healthy foods or already knew how to shop for and cook fresh produce, according to the team, making it easier for them to take advantage of the discount.

“That suggests the program design has potential, but that implementation, communication and clarity are critical if we want to see population-wide improvements,” Tovar said. “Programs like Eat Well, Be Well need to engage community partners, participants and grocers earlier in the design and implementation process to ensure these programs reach those with the lowest fruit and vegetable intake. Strengthening these partnerships, geographic reach and the variety of participating retailers, represents a key opportunity as Rhode Island and other states refine their fruit and vegetable incentive programs.”

Other research on smaller scale nutrition incentive programs have been associated with modest but meaningful increases in fruit and vegetable intake, with participants typically consuming slightly more cups or servings per day. This is especially true among those who participate for longer periods. Overall, about 42 million Americans, including more than 144,000 Rhode Islanders, receive food stamps through SNAP, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Researchers recently completed a longer term evaluation that may show greater benefits as awareness of the program grows. The team is currently conducting additional interviews with SNAP participants and community members.

“We’re using these conversations to learn directly from participants, community advocates and implementation partners about what would make the program more usable and sustainable in their daily lives,” Tovar said.