Files
Abstract
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low income people and households
buy food for proper health. This study seeks to examine the effects of changes in economic
conditions and welfare on SNAP participation in the Appalachian region. Using county level
data, the Spatial Durbin (SDM) Model was used to examine the effect of economic conditions,
demographic attributes and institutional factors on SNAP participation. Empirical results from
the marginal effects indicate that poverty had the greatest influence on SNAP participation.
Findings from this study could be helpful in improving welfare programs in this region.