NPI research brief highlights importance of store participation in SNAP and WIC for healthy food retail environment

A new research brief from the Nutrition Policy Institute highlights the role of federal and state programs in promoting healthy and equitable food retail environments. The study, “Availability and Quality of Healthy Foods Vary by Store Participation in SNAP and WIC in Low-Income California Neighborhoods,” examined how participation in these programs is associated with the availability, quality, and marketing of fresh produce, milk, and whole grains in small markets and convenience stores. SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Findings show that stores participating in both SNAP and WIC tend to offer a healthier retail environment, with small markets scoring higher than convenience stores across key measures. These results emphasize the impact of programs like SNAP and WIC in expanding access to fresh, healthy food and underscore the importance of stocking standards in small markets and convenience stores. The peer-reviewed study was authored by Richard Pulvera, Sridharshi C. Hewawitharana, Wendi Gosliner, et al. The research brief was authored by Reka Vasicsek, Summer Cortez, Richard Pulvera, and Wendi Gosliner.