The Role of Social Food Infrastructure in Addressing SNAP Participation Gaps: Evidence From Linked Administrative and Ground‐Sourced Data

Michael Lotspeich‐Yadao, Caitlin Kownacki, Jennifer McCaffrey and Craig Carpenter

Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 2026, vol. 48, issue 3, 545-564

Abstract: We link American Community Survey and SNAP records for 185,000 units with ground‐sourced social food infrastructure data from FindFoodIL (Illinois Extension SNAP‐Ed) to examine SNAP participation determinants among eligible units. Bivariate probit models reveal, beyond SNAP offices, quantity of social infrastructure is associated with participation: each additional senior program is associated with 5.89 percentage points (pp) higher participation probability, school/summer meal sites with 3.84 pp, and food pantries with 2.94 pp, potentially through trust, repeated contact, and navigation assistance. This first macro‐level quantitative evidence shows policymakers that embedding enrollment assistance within institutions already serving eligible families—schools, senior centers, food pantries—is associated with reduced SNAP participation gaps. JEL Classification: I38, Q18, R23, R58

Date: 2026
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https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.70072

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:48:y:2026:i:3:p:545-564

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