Using Andersen’s Behavioral Model to Predict Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Among US Adults

ABSTRACT

Using the 2013 Current Population Survey, this article examines predictors of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation using an adapted version of Andersen’s behavioral model of service use. All variables were found to be significant. We created a risk index, an index counting the number of predictive characteristics an individual possessed, to calculate predicted probabilities of SNAP participation. For each additional risk factor an individual possessed, the predicted probability increased on average by 0.09. Those possessing 10 or more risk factors had the highest predicted probability (74%) of SNAP participation. This research confirms known predictors of SNAP participation. The risk index demonstrates that it is possible to predict SNAP participation not by which factors an individual possesses but how many.

KEYWORDS:

• SNAP
• Current Population Survey
• Andersen’s behavioral model
• food insecurity