The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a vital role in providing food assistance to qualifying households in the United States. This dissertation comprises three interconnected essays that explore different facets of the impact of SNAP on food spending, diet quality, and its potential influence on criminal recidivism.Chapter 1 investigates the effects of disruptions in SNAP disbursements on household grocery purchases. By analyzing detailed grocery purchase data during the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown, this study finds that more frequent SNAP payments lead to smoother grocery spending, particularly on perishable items. The results underscore the potential for improved consumption patterns and reduced food insecurity among SNAP participants. This chapter advocates for the policy recommendation of increased SNAP payment frequency, providing families with enhanced opportunities to manage their monthly food budgets effectively. Chapter 2 delves into the relationship between SNAP work requirements on able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) and criminal recidivism. Leveraging administrative prison records of ex-offenders, this research reveals that counties implementing SNAP work requirements experience a reduction in the risk of recidivism for released individuals. Interestingly, ex-prisoners released within five years of the ABAWD age cutoff exhibit lower rates of recidivism, particularly related to property crimes, compared to those who age out of the work requirement. These findings shed light on the potential deterrent effect of SNAP work requirements on certain types of criminal behavior among ex-offenders. Chapter 3 examines the causal effect of SNAP participation on diet quality using data from the Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS). Employing robust methodologies to address self-selection and misclassification biases, this research presents a nuanced view. While SNAP participation leads to increased food consumption, it also demonstrates a negative effect on diet quality. However, under monotonicity assumptions, strict identification of a positive effect on diet quality remains elusive. These findings underscore the complexities of the relationship between SNAP benefits and dietary habits, urging policymakers to consider trade-offs between food access and nutritional choices for SNAP beneficiaries. The comprehensive analysis of these three essays highlights both the strengths and limitations of the SNAP program. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and advocates seeking to enhance the effectiveness of SNAP in alleviating hunger, improving nutrition, and reducing criminal recidivism among vulnerable populations. As the nation strives to achieve the dual goals of combating food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles, this dissertation contributes to a more informed and holistic understanding of the impact of SNAP and calls for innovative approaches to optimize the program’s outcomes for the well-being of low-income households.
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