SNAP Explained: How the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Works

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody join us to explore the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the stories, science, and policies behind it. We talk about who uses SNAP, what it actually provides, and how it became one of the most effective tools for fighting food insecurity in the U.S. We also unpack common myths and look at new policy proposals that could reshape how the program works. Dr. Bowen and Dr. Hardison-Moody remind us that food assistance isn't about who deserves help; it's about recognizing food as a right, not a reward.

Learn more about Dr. Hardison-Moody and Dr. Bowen’s work below:

Annie Hardison-Moody’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/annie-hardison-moody/ 

Sarah Bowen’s NC State Bio Page: https://chass.ncsu.edu/people/skbowen/ 

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

USDA SNAP Retailer Data: https://www.fns.usda.gov/data-research/data-visualization/snap-retailer-management-dashboard-fy23 

USDA ERS Report on SNAP and the Economy: https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/93529/ERR265_Summary.pdf?v=75369 

USDA ERS Report on SNAP impact during a recession: https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/102287/ERR-296_Summary.pdf?v=80553 

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Data on SNAP impacts by state: https://www.cbpp.org/snap-helps-low-wage-workers-in-every-state#North_Carolina 

Article: Safeguarding SNAP as an Effective Antihunger Program: Myths and Potential Harms of Adding Diet Quality as a Core Objective: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307863 

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.