Author

Laura Fincher

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Abstract

As the 2023 farmers market season is the first in three years without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments, SNAP participation in farmers markets is likely to decrease, which could have negative impacts for farmers market earnings and community relations. The purpose of this study was to examine farmers market SNAP participation and the impacts of the expiration of SNAP Emergency Allotments from the perspective of market representatives. Farmers market representatives from Central Arkansas and East Texas were interviewed in field testing, then representatives from North Texas were interviewed in target data collection. Observations of farmers market sites and online media were also gathered. The interviews and observations were analyzed to find common themes among the data. The study found that, although there was regular SNAP participation in small amounts, there was a decrease in SNAP participation this year, compared to the previous seasons with Emergency Allotments. Market matching programs and product quality were the main motivators for SNAP participation, and the farmers markets used signage and online media for SNAP promotion. However, access to transportation, work and family responsibilities, limited promotion, and perceived social stigma were all barriers to SNAP participation. The farmers markets did not meaningfully change or adapt their SNAP programming in response to the expiration of Emergency Allotments. The farmers markets promoted a community-minded and food security-related mission. The results of this study shed light on gaps in farmers market SNAP programming and nutrition policy that need to be addressed to fulfill this mission.

Advisor

Robert Williams

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