Changes in Food Security and Diet Quality After the 2021 SNAP Benefit Increase in Massachusetts, USA

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest food assistance program in the United States providing income-eligible households with cash-like assistance to spend on food. In October 2021, a historic policy change permanently increased benefit amounts by 21 percent. This study assessed differences in diet quality and food security, supplemented by participant descriptions of using SNAP, among adults with low incomes residing in the state of Massachusetts from before (October 2020-January 2021) to after (December 2021-February 2022) the benefit increases.

Derived from The Greater Boston Food Bank's Annual Statewide Survey, our sample included adults with household incomes ≤300% of the federal poverty level who completed diet and food security measures. We calculated Prime Diet Quality Scores (PDQSs), with higher scores reflecting more nutritious diets on a scale of 0-70. Adjusted difference-in-difference regression models evaluated differences in PDQS and food security between SNAP participants and non-participants from before to after the benefit increases. Reflexive thematic analysis of write-in responses summarized experiences with SNAP.

Complete data were available for 1051 respondents before and 801 respondents after SNAP benefit increases. We found no significant differences in diet quality or household food security for SNAP participants, compared to non-participants, from before to after the benefit increases. In write-in comments, respondents expressed gratitude for increased benefits but also fear of them being rescinded. Increased benefits helped some better meet food needs, yet many noted rising costs of living prevented benefits from stretching as far.

Increased SNAP benefits did not impact food security or diet quality among this sample. SNAP benefits may need to be further increased to meet the nutritional needs of families.