Identifying barriers to SNAP enrollment in El paso county, texas

This mixed-methods study investigated the barriers faced by SNAP-eligible individuals who are not enrolled to receive benefits. After 393 individuals were surveyed, 50 interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. Participants reported their main reasons for not accessing SNAP benefits as an expectation of low benefits, lack of enrollment assistance, and difficulties with the enrollment process and qualifications. Spanish speakers described poor treatment when seeking to enroll in SNAP. Negative perceptions of SNAP and SNAP recipients were less prevalent than expected. Future applications of these findings should consider systems-level changes, outreach, and policy reform to increase SNAP enrollment for eligible applicants.