JAFSCD peer-reviewed article by Alexandrea Manuel (U of Montana), Jon Graham (U of Montana), Ian Finch (Farm Connect Montana), Andrea Buckingham (Farm Connect Montana), Maja Pederson (U of Montana), and Blakely Brown (U of Montana)
Access to nutritious food is essential for health, well-being, and community resilience. However, for many individuals and families, affordability remains a major barrier to fresh, healthy produce. Nutrition incentive programs, like Montana’s Double SNAP Dollar (DSD) initiative, aim to bridge this gap by increasing access to healthy foods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. By making fresh food more affordable, these programs contribute to improved nutrition, stronger local food systems, and enhanced community well-being.
A newly published study, Nutrition incentives in action: Exploring nutrition security and community connection in a longitudinal study, presents key findings from a three-year research project examining the impacts of Montana’s Double SNAP Dollar program. The study highlights how this initiative not only improves food security and dietary habits but also fosters social connections and support local economies. The findings reinforce the role of nutrition incentives in promoting healthier, more connected communities while strengthening regional food networks.
Montana’s Double SNAP Dollars program is supported by Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program grant no. 2020-70030-33194 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Corresponding author Alexandrea Manuel can be contacted at ali.manuel@mso.umt.edu.
KEY FINDINGS
While using Double SNAP Dollars,
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60–65% of participants reported that the amount of fruits and vegetables they ate increased.
- 60–72% of participants reported that the variety of fruits and vegetables they ate increased.
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80% agreed that shopping at the farmers market gave them a sense of belonging to their community.
- Up to 88% of participants felt that farmers market purchases made a difference in their community.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY AND RESEARCH
Our findings suggest that increased purchasing power for healthy foods not only improves access to fresh produce but also enhances the overall farmers market experience. As Double SNAP Dollar participants feel more empowered to engage with vendors and ask questions, a sense of trust and connection grows between the shopper and the farming community. These positive social interactions foster a welcoming environment that may contribute to participants’ well-being and encourage long-term healthy eating habits.
Fostering an inclusive and friendly shopping experience at farmers markets may increase program participation, especially with minority groups.
A lack of awareness about the program appears to be a barrier to participation. The authors recommend increasing advertising, in partnership with state social service offices, and prioritizing marketing campaigns that leverage social networks and community hubs.
Additional research could focus on the perspectives of farmers market vendors who participate in nutrition incentive programs, and the broader implications for the food system and local economies.
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Empowered shoppers, thriving farmers, and healthier communities — boosting SNAP at farmers markets is a win for everyone! A longitudinal study over 3 years reports outcomes for users of Double SNAP Dollars at farmers markets in Montana. #SNAP #farmersmarkets Read the full @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.143.002
