Analyzing Food Access and Security in the Carolinas

Better Way Consulting conducted a SNAP Food Access Survey for Feeding the Carolinas. This revealed key insights into food security gaps and access challenges across the Carolinas and provided actionable recommendations for addressing community needs.

Table of Contents

• Client Overview

• The Goal

• The Methods

• The Results

• The Impact

Client Overview

Feeding the Carolinas launched a comprehensive food access survey to understand food security gaps in the Carolinas. This was done with the NC SNAC and SC SNAC. These are the State Nutrition Action Coalitions for North Carolina and South Carolina. The survey targeted communities across 17 sites.

The Goal

The goal of the SNAP Food Access Survey was to pinpoint food security gaps. It also sought to understand nutritional needs across diverse communities, especially Hispanic/Latino and Black communities.

The survey aimed to show access issues for people at higher risk of food insecurity. It also sought to gather insights on barriers like transportation, availability of culturally appropriate food, and awareness of programs.

The Methods

Better Way Consulting helped design and execute the SNAP Food Access Survey. Researchers distributed across the Carolinas from March to April 2024.
Using convenience sampling, our team and volunteers distributed surveys in English and Spanish at 17 locations. We engaged 710 participants who were current clients of SNAP-Ed, food distribution programs, and local health organizations. Participants completed the survey online or via paper, with each receiving a grocery store gift card as an incentive.
The survey included questions on demographics, food insecurity risk, sources of food, transportation challenges, awareness of food assistance programs, and access to culturally relevant foods.

The Results

The survey findings revealed key insights into food access challenges and highlighted several specific issues within at-risk communities:

• Food Insecurity Risk: Hispanic/Latino and Black respondents showed significantly higher rates of food insecurity compared to other demographics. Households with minors were also more likely to experience food insecurity.

• Reliance on Dollar Stores: Approximately 25% of respondents reported relying on dollar stores for food when funds were low. This pointed to a need for healthier food options in these locations.

• Culturally Relevant Foods: Many respondents noted the lack of culturally appropriate food options in local stores and pantries. This underscored a gap in meeting community dietary needs.

• SNAP Awareness and Access: Although nearly one-third of respondents used SNAP, 23% were unaware of how to apply. This indicated a need for expanded outreach on program eligibility and application processes.

• Transportation Barriers: One in five respondents relied on others for grocery trips, and only 3% utilized delivery services. Additionally, over half lacked access to online food ordering that accepts SNAP/EBT, limiting their options further.

The Recommendations

Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made:

1. Targeted Outreach: Develop campaigns tailored to Hispanic/Latino and Black communities to raise awareness about available resources and improve SNAP accessibility.

2. Child-Focused Programs: Create and promote food programs specifically for households with children to address nutritional needs.

3. Healthy Dollar Store Options: Establish partnerships near dollar stores to offer healthier food choices and promote nutritional education.

4. Culturally Appropriate Foods: Work with local grocers and food pantries to stock diverse, culturally relevant foods.

5. Transportation Solutions: Explore partnerships to provide transportation assistance or vouchers for food delivery services.

6. Farmers Market Promotion: Increase efforts to promote farmers' market benefits. Also, explore ways to make markets more accessible for SNAP/EBT users.

The Impact

The SNAP Food Access Survey provided Feeding the Carolinas with a comprehensive understanding of the barriers impacting food access in the Carolinas. This allowed them to refine their strategies and focus efforts on the most pressing needs. These needs are: increasing SNAP awareness, improving culturally appropriate food availability, and addressing transportation challenges.

These insights are now helping Feeding the Carolinas and its partners to develop targeted, community-centered programs that promote food security and equity across the region.