Mapping food networks and habits among SNAP recipients

DARCY FREEDMAN; EMILY JENNINGS; KRISTEN MATLACK; KIMBERLY BESS; MADALENA MONTEBAN; COLLEEN WALSH

Newport Beach

Conferencia; International Network for Social Network Analysis Sunbelt Conference; 2016

International Network for Social Network Analysis

Informal networks are some of the most persuasive strategies for disseminating information about nutritious food access interventions such as farmers? markets and healthy food incentive programs. These types of interventions are particularly important for populations experiencing food insecurity and/or diet-related health conditions such as people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. However, current utilization of nutritious food access interventions remains low among SNAP populations. This research examines factors influencing dissemination and adoption of nutritious food access interventions among SNAP recipients by exploring how these interventions fit within the broader socio-cultural context, including social networks, within which food procurement, preparation, and consumption occurs. A mixed methods approach was employed including semi-structured interviews and participatory social network mapping with 30 individuals receiving SNAP benefits who were recruited based on prior participation in survey research related to factors influencing nutritious food access. The study occurred in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. A purposive sampling strategy was employed prioritizing six indictors to guide recruitment of the 30 individuals including: social network size, farmers market shopping behaviors, geography, working or student status, education level, and race/ethnicity. The interviews were structured to identify social network processes and pathways for communication and information sharing related to nutritious food access interventions as well as the places relevant to food habits. The research draws from Lin?s theory of social capital suggesting embedded resources in social networks enhance the outcomes of actions. Specifically, the theory posits four elements including information, influence, social credentials, and reinforcements deemed critical to social capital. Correspondingly, during the interview we guided the participant to draw a map of the people and places involved in the ego?s procurement, preparation, and consumption of food. In addition, the interview questions identify information sharing and influence related to the same three areas of food habits. At the end of the interview we have gathered a physical social network map and a record of attributes including relationships related to information sharing and influence. Results reveal variability in network structure related to food habits influenced, in part, by access to transportation. Many networks are family-based limiting opportunities for transmission of information about nutritious food access interventions using peer-based networks. The research informs methods for utilizing informal social networks to increase the reach of nutritious food access interventions, and highlights some of the challenges to this dissemination approach given network structure among the targeted sample.