Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 2019–2024: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Enablers
Roger Figueroa, Ibukun Owoputi, Ruyu Liu, Reah Chiong, Julio Salas, Jaclyn A. Saltzman, Katherine Baker
Abstract
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest U.S. food safety net program, serves over 42 million people. This study synthesizes evidence of barriers and enablers to participation in SNAP among income-eligible individuals and relevant stakeholders. Peer-reviewed studies based in the United States and published between 2019 and 2024 were included in this review. Data were extracted and synthesized across five (5) databases, and through forward and backward reference searches. Screening and data extraction were conducted using Covidence. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment. A total of 17 articles were included; 50 factors were identified as barriers or enablers to SNAP participation. Relevant stakeholders identified a similar number of barriers and enablers, while income-eligible individuals identified more barriers compared to enablers to SNAP participation. Findings from this evidence synthesis highlight the need to strengthen SNAP-related policies to preserve adjustments sustained during COVID-19, to maximize participation and health promotion, and to build capacity for future public emergencies.