Differences in supplemental nutrition program participation among Oklahoma counties

Abstract

An analysis was performed on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to determine explanatory characteristics for program participation among Oklahoma counties and to determine how supplemental nutrition assistance programs participation differs among eligible individuals in an urban, rural or mixed county. This research indicates that food insecurity has a different face depending on where you are in Oklahoma. Poverty rate is an explanatory characteristic of SNAP participation regardless of geographic location, as expected based on eligibility rules. However, as poverty rates increase in rural counties, SNAP participation increases by a larger amount than in urban counties. Unemployment and age were only significant factors in rural and mixed counties. Unemployment rate and county GDP are significant factors in increasing the SNAP eligibility pool. The results can be used to improve outreach to groups susceptible to food insecurity who would benefit from program participation.