Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:In year three, Alabama GusNIP included four independent grocers and eight farmers markets. All year three participating grocers are in underserved communities. Wright's Market is in Opelika, Alabama. More than 30% of Wright's Market sales are to SNAP recipients. Food Giant is in Center Point, AL, an area outside of Birmingham, AL, with a poverty rate of 20%. Livingston Marketplace is in Livingston, AL. Livingston is located within the Alabama Black Belt, an area of Alabama known for persistent poverty. Livingston has a poverty rate of more than 50%. Food Champs is in Mobile, AL, where the poverty rate is 20%. For the farmers markets included, City of Albertville Farmers Market located in Marshall County, a county in Alabama with a high Hispanic and Latino population. Bessemer Farmers Market is in Bessemer, AL, an area outside of Birmingham. The Birmingham Central Market is managed by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority and is located at the central hub for public transportation in Birmingham. East Lake Farmers Market is located on the east side of Birmingham near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport. The Market at Pepper Place, one of the state's largest markets, is in central Birmingham. The Greene Street Market at Nativity is in downtown Huntsville. North Mobile Food Park is in one of South Alabama's most underserved communities; Prichard is 88 percent Black or African American residents, and more than 35 percent of Prichard residents live below the federal poverty line (Data USA, 2018b). Tuscaloosa Farmers Market operates a permanent market year-round in Tuscaloosa. Changes/Problems:During year three, Alabama GusNIP did not have any significant changes or problems. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Between September 2023 and August 2024, Alabama GusNIP onboarded one new farmers market. Orientation resources and materials, including onboarding and reimbursement procedures, were delivered. Technical assistance was provided to all participating retailers as needed throughout the year. The Alabama GusNIP team planned, coordinated and hosted a research mini- conference in October 2023. The SNAP Healthy Eating Incentives Workshop was a two-day conference with 13 invited researchers from around the country who are doing research in SNAP nutrition incentives. This was a time for sharing current research and networking. This workshop was funded in part by a conference grant from USDA NIFA. As a result of this workshop, the Alabama GusNIP team applied and received approval to begin a Multistate Hatch Project. This project will investigate all aspects of SNAP nutrition incentive policies, such as program design and impact. This will allow researchers from different institutions and fields who are investigating SNAP nutrition incentive programs to improve the flow of information between disparate institutions, projects, and disciplines. Additionally, Alabama GusNIP leaders attended national convenings to support professional development for program leadership. The Principal Investigator and Project Administrator attended the national program meeting in December 2023. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Alabama GusNIP team analyzed firm and participant-level data for years one and two, and analyses for year three data are underway. Alabama GusNIP disseminated a summary of year three firm-level findings via an Alabama GusNIP annual report. The Alabama GusNIP annual report was distributed to partnering organizations, state SNAP leaders as well as many stakeholders and elected officials. Another audience for dissemination is scholars interested in SNAP incentives. The Alabama GusNIP team published a manuscript in Public Health Nutrition. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As part of the no-cost extension granted by USDA, Alabama GusNIP will continue to implement and expand strategies to ensure a strong state-coordinated, statewide point-of-purchase incentive program per the established work plan.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 Accomplishments: To establish a state-coordinated, state-wide incentive program, Alabama GusNIP established an Advisory Board in year one consisting of participating retailers, farmers, and constituents to help guide the program. In the subsequent two years, Years 2-3, the Alabama GusNIP Principal Investigator (PI), Project Administrator (PA), and Project Coordinator (PC) maintained the Advisory board, meeting bi-annually. The PI, PA, and PC also established rapport with all members of the Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board, participating firms, funders, and other stakeholders. In its third year, Alabama GusNIP strengthened the local food system by operating in four independent grocery stores and eight farmers markets serving seven counties in Alabama. SNAP recipients utilized Alabama GusNIP to purchase $222,459 in fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores. Additionally, SNAP recipients utilized Alabama GusNIP to purchase $24,553 in locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Alabama GusNIP also positively impacted local economic development in agricultural and food retailer industries. Specifically, Alabama GusNIP had a total economic impact of $301,326. Sales at the four independent grocers demonstrated an economic impact of $266,952, while sales at the farmers markets had an economic impact of $34,374. Goal 2 Accomplishments: Alabama GusNIP promoted Double Up Food Bucks Alabama (DUFB AL) to SNAP recipients using a variety of mediums. In year three, a total of 104,893 DUFB AL branded direct mailers were distributed to all SNAP recipients in the seven counties with participating retailers. Alabama GusNIP also provided participating retailers on-location promotional materials. And, many partnering stakeholder organizations shared social media campaign posts to their audiences. Participating firms and SNAP-Ed were provided posters detailing how SNAP households could engage with DUFB AL and participating retailer location information. During year three SNAP-Ed promoted DUFB AL to a great degree. Seven SNAP-Ed educators delivered a total of 869 direct nutritional educational contacts. SNAP-Ed educators also provided an estimated 2,125 indirect contacts. Specifically, SNAP-Ed educators shared information and distributed flyers at the Market at Pepper Place, Food Giant, and Birmingham Central Market. SNAP-Ed also shared DUFB AL flyers at two elementary schools and three churches in Jefferson County (approximately 2,000 flyers distributed). In Opelika, the SNAP-Ed educator distributed about 150 DUFB AL flyers in conjunction with a nutrition education program. In Livingston, the SNAP-Ed educator distributed approximately 200 DUFB AL flyers and visited Livingston Market monthly to promote DUFB AL. Overall, Alabama GusNIP has shown continued success. In year three, Alabama GusNIP redeemed $222,460 for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocers and $24,553 in locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets for a total of $247,013. DUFB AL grocers had a redemption rate of 36%, and participating farmers markets had a redemption rate of 97.4%. Participating grocers issued, on average, $13,049 per month and redeemed, on average, $4,635 per month for a redemption rate of 36%. For those shopping at participating grocers, SNAP participants spent an average of 15% on fruits and vegetables. Among that amount at participating stores, 11% was purchased using DUFB AL incentives. In year three, Alabama GusNIP served 8,559 SNAP households at participating grocers and 783 SNAP households at farmers markets. Among those who used Alabama GusNIP, households visited the markets an average of four times a year. Among those who used Alabama GusNIP at farmers markets more than once, they used Alabama GusNIP on average three times a month. Goal 3 Accomplishments: All participating farmers markets implemented a 1 SNAP:1 fruit and vegetable match, with all fruits and vegetables being locally produced. On-location promotional materials at participating farmers markets promoted vendors with eligible items for incentive redemption, which were small to mid-size fruit and vegetable producers from Alabama. Alabama GusNIP continues to support participating grocers in learning about Sweet Grown Alabama and its ability to assist in the identification of producers available to provide desired Alabama-grown produce. Alabama GusNIP also works alongside the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to increase awareness of the Farmers Market Authority regarding Alabama GusNIP. During year three, Alabama GusNIP began a relationship with two CSAs which will be coming onboard as GusNIP retailers as well as two local stands. The addition of these components will help to highlight the purchasing of locally grown foods and increase the purchase and consumption of these foods alongside the sales of the Farmer's Markets.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Byrne, L. Double Up Food Bucks in Alabama. Presented at the Alabama Agricultural Outlook, December 2023
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Byrne, L. & Cuffey, J. The SNAP Benefit Cycle and Mental Health Outcomes. Presented at the Southern Ag Economic Association, Feb 2024
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Cuffey J, Lantz C, Newby Kara, Powers A. 2024. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program healthy eating incentives and fruit and vegetable spending across the month. Public Health Nutrition. 2024;27(1):e178.
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:In year two, Alabama GusNIP included four independent grocers, seven farmers markets, and one mobile market. All year two participating grocers are in underserved communities. Wright's Market is located in Opelika, Alabama. More than 30% of Wright's Market sales are to SNAP recipients. Food Giant is located in Center Point, AL, an area outside of Birmingham, AL, with a poverty rate of 20%. Livingston Marketplace is located in Livingston, AL. Livingston is located within the Black Belt, an area of Alabama known for persistent poverty. Livingston has a poverty rate of over 50%. Food Champs is located in Mobile, AL, where the poverty rate is 20%. For the farmers markets included, Bessemer Farmers Market is in Bessemer. Birmingham Central Market is managed by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority and is located at the central hub for public transportation in Birmingham. East Lake Farmers Market is located on the east side of Birmingham near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport. The Market at Pepper Place, one of the state's largest markets, is in central Birmingham. The Greene Street Market at Nativity is in downtown Huntsville. North Mobile Food Park is in one of South Alabama's most underserved communities; Prichard is 88 percent Black or African American residents, and more than 35 percent of Prichard residents live below the federal poverty line (Data USA, 2018b). Tuscaloosa Farmers Market operates a permanent market year-round in Tuscaloosa. Changes/Problems:In year two, one participating grocer, who unfortunately could not fulfill the data requirements, withdrew participation from Alabama GusNIP. However, three new grocers - one in the same area as the one that withdrew, and two in new areas not already served by Alabama GusNIP. With the addition of these grocers, Alabama GusNIP leaders changed farmers markets and grocers from a maximum transaction limit of $20 to a maximum transaction limit of $10 from September 2022 until June 2023. In June 2023, farmers markets returned to a maximum transaction limit of $20, while grocers maintained $10. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Between September 2022 and August 2023, Alabama GusNIP PA onboarded three new grocers and one new mobile market. Orientation resources and materials, including onboarding and reimbursement procedures, were delivered. Technical assistance was provided to each participating firm as needed throughout the year. Additionally, Alabama GusNIP leaders, including the PI and PA, attended national convenings to support professional development for program leadership. In the Spring of 2023, Alabama GusNIP leaders hosted a launch event for Hunger Solutions Institute's leadership of Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives, including USDA Food and Nutrition Administrator Cindy Long as well as other USDA representatives. In Summer 2024, the PI and PA attended the NTAE convening as well. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Alabama GusNIP has analyzed firm and participant-level data for year one, and analyses for year two data are underway. Alabama GusNIP disseminated a summary of year one findings via an Alabama GusNIP annual report. The Alabama GusNIP annual report was distributed to partnering organizations, state SNAP leaders as well as many stakeholders and elected officials. Another audience for dissemination is scholars interested in SNAP incentives. The co-investigator and graduate research assistant have a manuscript in review in the journal Public Health Nutrition. The graduate research assistant also completed a Master's thesis using Alabama GusNIP data. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Alabama GusNIP will continue to implement and expand strategies to ensure a strong state-coordinated, statewide point-of-purchase incentive program per the established work plan.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 Strategy 1 In year one, Alabama GusNIP established an Advisory Board. Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board meetings have been held quarterly. In year one, the Alabama GusNIP Principal Investigator (PI) and Project Administrator (PA) established an incredible rapport with all members of the Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board, participating firms, funders, and other stakeholders, and in year two the PI and PA have maintained regular contact with each stakeholder group. Alabama GusNIP leaders submitted annual reports to the GusNIP Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (NTAE) and United States Department of Agriculture and Industries. In early 2023, Alabama GusNIP leaders released an annual report to statewide stakeholders, and in early 2024, leaders will release a combined year one and year two report. Based on an economic calculator created by NTAE, it is estimated that the combined economic impact of Alabama GusNIP for years one and two is $375,868. Strategy 2 In year two, the Communications and Marketing Specialist updated the communication toolkit materials based on a reduction to a $10 a-day maximum limit and ensured new stores received on-location promotional materials. Many partnering stakeholder organizations shared social media campaign posts for Alabama GusNIP with their audiences. And, the website was updated to reflect participating locations and programmatic details. Strategy 3 In year one, Alabama GusNIP PA provided multiple training sessions and technical assistance to participating firms. Orientation resources and materials, including onboarding and reimbursement procedures, were delivered. Training materials describing the incentive model and promotional materials also were delivered. Technical assistance was provided to each participating firm as needed. FAQs are being maintained as a living document and made available to participating firms. In year two, the PA provided additional training sessions and continued providing technical assistance to participating firms. Orientation resources and materials were delivered to new participating firms. The PA continues to maintain updates to FAQs. Strategy 4 Alabama GusNIP worked in partnership with Dr. Joel Cuffey and NTAE to conduct program evaluation. In year one, an IRB proposal was approved. Incentive amount issued, incentive amount redeemed, and feedback from stakeholders were measured as part of the process evaluation procedures. In year two, Alabama GusNIP firms issued redeemed $206,381 in incentives. Farmers Markets had an 89% redemption rate, while grocery stores had a 31% redemption rate. Appropriate adjustments were made to programming efforts in response to feedback from stakeholders. Additionally, in years one and two, Alabama GusNIP implemented a participant survey. Alabama GusNIP sent direct promotional mailers to all SNAP households in each county with participating retailers. Included on the mailer was a QR code for the participant survey. Approximately 1,100 SNAP recipients responded to the survey in year one and 1,500 in year two. Among year one respondents, 80% had been receiving SNAP for more than a year, 25% had high food security, 32% had low food security, and 44% had very low food security. About 9% had used the GusNIP program. Among those who rated their experience with the program, 87% said they had a positive or very positive experience with the program. Results from year two are still being analyzed. Alabama GusNIP also received firm level data from each participating firm for each month incentives were redeemed in years one and two. Protocols for coding and aggregating firm level data have been established. Firm level data from year one have been analyzed and are summarized in an above paragraph. These data also were released in an annual report to statewide stakeholders. Firm level data from year two are being analyzed. Strategy 5 The Alabama GusNIP PI and PA continued a strong working relationship with all members of the Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board, participating firms, funders, and other stakeholders. The PA stayed in regular contact with each stakeholder group. Alabama GusNIP PA onboarded and provided orientation resources and materials to new participating firms. Onboarding and orientation materials supported retailers in becoming an Auburn University Vendor and tracking incentive issuance and redemption. Accurate and complete transaction level reporting was achieved for each month of program participation by all participating retailers. During year 2 site visits were conducted to new sites at Livingston Marketplace and Food Champs. This year AU SNAP-Ed was in communication (providing indirect education and direct education) with all Birmingham GusNIP locations except Food Giant (2000 indirect contacts), the Livingston Marketplace (74 direct and 100 indirect contacts), and the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market (500 indirect contacts). Goal 2 Strategy 1 In year two, 108,254 DUFB AL branded direct mailers were distributed to all SNAP recipients in the six counties with participating firms. Alabama GusNIP also provided participating firms with on-location promotional materials. Participating firms and SNAP-Ed were provided posters detailing how SNAP households could engage with DUFB AL along with participating retailer location information. And, many partnering stakeholder organizations shared social media campaign posts to their audiences. Strategy 2 This year AU SNAP-Ed was in communication (providing indirect education and direct education) with all Birmingham GusNIP locations except Food Giant (2000 indirect contacts), the Livingston Marketplace (74 direct and 100 indirect contacts), and the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market (500 indirect contacts). Strategy 3 In year two, Alabama GusNIP redeemed $177,806 for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocers and $28,575 in local, fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets for a total of $206,381. Participating farmers markets issued, on average, $428 per month and redeemed, on average, $381 per month for a redemption rate of 89%. Annually, participating households at farmers markets redeemed an average of $26, and among those who used the program more than once in the year, they redeemed an average of $45. Vendors at participating markets received an average of $54.12 in redemptions per month. Participating grocers issued, on average, $12,105 per month and redeemed, on average, $3,783 per month for a redemption rate of 31%. An average of 2,157 coupons were issued at each store per month and an average of 558 were redeemed. For those shopping at participating grocers, SNAP participants spent an average of about 16% on fruits and vegetables. Goal 3 Strategy 1 Training and technical assistance supported capacity building among participating firms. Alabama GusNIP PA provided multiple training sessions and technical assistance to participating firms. Technical assistance was provided to each participating firm as needed throughout the year, including connectivity to vendors providing services to enhance technology or innovation in implementation of Alabama GusNIP and beyond. Strategy 2 All participating farmers markets implemented a 1 SNAP : 1 fruit and vegetable match, with all fruits and vegetables being locally produced. On-location promotional materials at participating farmers markets promoted vendors with eligible items for incentive redemption, which were small to mid-size fruit and vegetable producers from Alabama. Alabama GusNIP continues to support participating grocers in learning about Sweet Grown Alabama and its ability to assist identification of producers available to provide desired Alabama grown produce. Alabama GusNIP also works alongside the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to increase awareness of the Farmers Market Authority regarding Alabama GusNIP. Strategy 3 No activities were conducted in year 2 for this strategy.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:In year one, Alabama GusNIP included two independent grocers and seven farmers markets. Both year one participating grocers are in underserved communities. 4th Avenue Supermarket is in one of the most underserved communities in Alabama, Bessemer; Bessemer is majority Black or African American residents and has a median income half of the US median income (Data USA, 2018a). Wright's Market is located in Opelika, Alabama. More than 30% of Wright's Market sales are to SNAP recipients. For the farmers markets included, Bessemer Farmers Market is in Bessemer. Birmingham Central Market is managed by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority and located at the central hub for public transportation in Birmingham. East Lake Farmers Market is located on the east side of Birmingham near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport. The Market at Pepper Place, one of the state's largest markets, is in central Birmingham. The Greene Street Market at Nativity is in downtown Huntsville. North Mobile Food Park is in one of south Alabama's most underserved communities; Prichard is 88 percent Black or African American residents, and more than 35 percent of Prichard residents live below the federal poverty line (Data USA, 2018b). Tuscaloosa Farmers Market operates a permanent market year-round in Tuscaloosa. Changes/Problems:Immediately after award and project initiation, Alabama GusNIPreceived approval to adjust the farmers market incentive issuance model. See below for initial model, proposed/approved revision, andjustification for the revision. The initially proposed incentive model is as follows: "Alabama GusNIP will double SNAP dollars of Alabama residents who purchase locally grown and/or regionally produced fresh fruits and vegetables at participating independent grocers and farmers markets using their SNAP benefits. An earn-and-redeem approach will be used. For every dollar of SNAP benefits a participant utilizes to purchase a locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable, he will earn a dollar incentive. The incentive will be a printed scrip (grocer) or token (farmers market) for redemption at the location to purchase a locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable. Incentive earnings are limited to $20 per visit. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are grown within 100 miles of the retailer, while regionally produced are grown within 300 miles of the retailer." HSI requests approval to revise the incentive model for farmers markets as follows: "Alabama GusNIP will double SNAP dollars of Alabama residents who purchase locally grown and/or regionally produced fresh fruits and vegetables at participating independent grocers using their SNAP benefits. An earn-and-redeem approach will be used. At participating independent grocers, SNAP participants will earn a dollar incentive for every dollar of SNAP benefits the participant utilizes to purchase a locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable. At participating farmers markets, SNAP participants will earn a dollar incentive for every dollar of SNAP benefits the participant utilizes to purchase SNAP-eligible products. The incentive will be a printed coupon (grocer) or token (farmers market) for redemption at the location to purchase a locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable. Incentive earnings are limited to $20 per visit. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are grown within 100 miles of the retailer, while regionally produced are grown within 300 miles of the retailer." This revision would revert the farmers market incentive model from fruits/vegetables for fruits/vegetables (FV for FV) to SNAP for fruits/vegetables (SNAP for FV). As HSI held meetings with its participating farmers markets, market managers expressed deep concern over the logistics of implementing and tracking the proposed FV for FV incentive model. Currently at each of the markets, SNAP tokens and incentive tokens are distributed within the same transaction at a central table, meaning the farmers market managers do not track how the SNAP tokens are spent before distributing the incentive tokens. Additionally, since each of the markets have been participating in GusNIP previously, the managers expressed concerns over the confusion such a change may cause for customers (especially elderly customers) and vendors who are already juggling multiple different tokens, vouchers, and cash. HSI has determined that its participating farmers markets do not have the capacity to implement the FV for FV incentive model at this time due to their technological inability to track the earning and redemption of incentives. HSI requests the revision detailed above in acknowledgment that HSI will pursue mutually beneficial opportunities to transition the farmers markets from SNAP for FV to FV for FV over the course of the project period using more advanced point-of-sale technologies. In July 2022, Alabama GusNIPreceived approval to adjust the locally grown and regionally sourced aspect of the grocer model. See below for initial model, proposed/approved revision, andjustification for revision. The current incentive model distinguishes qualifying produce as follows: "Alabama GusNIP will double SNAP dollars of Alabama residents who purchase locally grown and/or regionally produced fresh fruits and vegetables at participating independent grocers using their SNAP benefits. An earn-and-redeem approach will be used. At participating independent grocers, SNAP participants will earn a dollar incentive for every dollar of SNAP benefits the participant utilizes to purchase a locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable. At participating farmers markets, SNAP participants will earn a dollar incentive for every dollar of SNAP benefits the participant utilizes to purchase SNAP-eligible products. The incentive will be a printed coupon (grocer) or token (farmers market) for redemption at the location to purchase a locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable. Incentive earnings are limited to $20 per visit. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are grown within 100 miles of the retailer, while regionally produced are grown within 300 miles of the retailer." HSI requests approval to revise the incentive model and qualifying produce as follows: "Alabama GusNIP will double SNAP dollars of Alabama residents who purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating independent grocers using their SNAP benefits. An earn-and-redeem approach will be used. At participating independent grocers, SNAP participants will earn a dollar incentive for every dollar of SNAP benefits the participant utilizes to purchase fresh fruits or vegetables. The incentive will be a printed scrip for redemption at the location to purchase fresh fruits or vegetables. At participating farmers markets, SNAP participants will earn a dollar incentive for every dollar of SNAP benefits a participant utilizes to purchase SNAP-eligible products. The incentive will be a token or paper voucher for redemption at the location to purchase locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruit or vegetable. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are grown within 100 miles of the retailer, while regionally produced are grown within 300 miles of the firm. Incentive earnings are limited to $20 per visit at farmers markets and $10 per visit at grocers." This revision will primarily impact nutrition incentives in Alabama GusNIP's independent grocers. Currently participating grocers have expressed difficulty with the burden of auditing hundreds of identifying PLUs in their point-of-sale system with the locally grown or regionally produced distinction. Additionally, despite using branded "Double Up Food Bucks eligible" product identifiers in store, customers have shared confusion of which products can be purchased to earn and redeem the nutrition incentive. This solution not only reduces the burden of program administration for grocers, but it also increases accessibility to customers by broadening the scope of eligible produce. HSI is dedicated to encouraging local sourcing in grocery stores. Five independent grocers will launch Alabama GusNIP in their stores in September 2022. These stores were recruited due to their established culture of local and regional sourcing. As an additional data requirement, HSI will request information regarding produce purchases from grocers to track and calculate the percentage of produce typically sourced locally and regionally. HSI will use this data to inform future Alabama GusNIP program requirements, like minimum local sourcing percentages for participating sites. One last change with Alabama GusNIP is the departure ofone grocer at the end of year 1. A similar grocer in a proximal location as the original grocer will beonboarded in January 2023. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Between September 2021 and August 2022, the Alabama GusNIP Project Coordinator provided multiple training sessions and technical assistance to participating firms. Orientation resources and materials were developed and delivered, including onboarding and reimbursement procedures. Training materials describing the incentive model and promotional materials for advertising DUFB AL also were devised and delivered to participating firms. Technical assistance was provided to each participating firm as needed throughout the first year. Lastly, FAQs are being maintained as a living document and made available to participating firms. Additionally, Alabama GusNIP leaders, including the Project Director and Project Coordinator, attended national convenings to support professional development for program leadership. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Alabama GusNIP is currently analyzing firm-level and participant-level data. As soon as analyses are completed, results will be disseminated to a variety of audiences. Specifically, Alabama GusNIP will disseminate a summary of findings for a general audience using an annual report. The Alabama GusNIP annual report will be distributed to partnering organizations and state SNAP leaders and made available on the Hunger Solutions Institute website. Annual reports will be made available by March 2023. Further, the Alabama GusNIP annual report will be aggregated with other initiatives as part of the Hunger Solutions Institute annual report. Another audience for dissemination is scholars interested in SNAP incentives. The co-investigator and graduate research assistant are developing a few manuscripts that will describe nuances important for further understanding SNAP incentives and their use. Manuscripts will be submitted for consideration by May 2023. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Alabama GusNIP will continue to implement and expand strategies to ensure a strong state-coordinated, statewide point-of-purchase incentive program per the established work plan. A few specific actions/tasks that will be implemented to a greater degree in the second year than in the first year include, annual report development and distribution, evaluation analysis and reporting, site visits to retailers (bi-yearly instead of once per year), social media advertising, and greater support of small to mid-size producers' understanding and connectivity to Alabama GusNIP.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 Strategy 1 Alabama GusNIP established an Advisory Board. Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board members include a farmers market manager; a grocer; a fruit and vegetable producer; a SNAP recipient; a representative from an organization providing match funding; and representatives from multiple state agencies. Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board meetings were held quarterly. Alabama GusNIP leaders also drafted the Alabama GusNIP Manual of Procedures. Sections include incentive model description, onboarding instructions, site visit agendas, advisory board agenda templates, reimbursement instructions, promotion and marketing, participant survey methods, firm reporting procedures, annual report templates, and FAQs. The Alabama GusNIP Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator (PC) established an incredible rapport with all members of the Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board, participating firms, funders, and other stakeholders. The PC stayed in regular contact with each stakeholder group. Alabama GusNIP leaders submitted annual reports to the GusNIP Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (NTAE) and United States Department of Agriculture and Industries. In early 2023, Alabama GusNIP leaders will release an annual report to statewide stakeholders. Strategy 2 Alabama GusNIP Communications and Marketing Specialist released a Double Up Food Bucks Alabama (DUFB AL) Communications Toolkit. The Toolkit included the DUFB AL logo. Alabama GusNIP branded direct mailers, fliers, on-location promotional materials, and swag are included alongside ordering instructions. Social media templates are included. The original press release, process for requesting firm specific press releases, website, and program contacts also are featured. Strategy 3 Alabama GusNIP PC provided multiple training sessions and technical assistance to participating firms. Orientation resources and materials, including onboarding and reimbursement procedures, were delivered. Training materials describing the incentive model and promotional materials also were delivered. Technical assistance was provided to each participating firm as needed. FAQs are being maintained as a living document and made available to participating firms. Strategy 4 Alabama GusNIP worked in partnership with Faculty Joel Cuffey and NTAE to conduct evaluation. An IRB proposal was approved. Incentive amount issued, incentive amount redeemed, and feedback from stakeholders were measured as part of the process evaluation procedures. In year one, Alabama GusNIP firms issued $223,155 in incentives and redeemed $97,442 in incentives. Farmers Markets had an 88% redemption rate, while grocery stores had a 36% redemption rate. Alabama GusNIP implemented a participant survey. Alabama GusNIP sent direct promotional mailers to all SNAP households in each county with participating retailers. Included on the mailer was a QR code for the participant survey. Approximately 1,500 SNAP recipients responded to the survey. Survey responses are being analyzed. Alabama GusNIP received firm level data from each participating firm for each month incentives were redeemed. Protocols for coding and aggregating firm level data have been established. Firm level data are being analyzed. Strategy 5 The Alabama GusNIP Principal Investigator and PC established a strong working relationship with all members of the Alabama GusNIP Advisory Board, participating firms, funders, and other stakeholders. The PC stayed in regular contact with each stakeholder group. Alabama GusNIP PC onboarded and provided orientation resources and materials to seven farmers markets and two grocery stores. Onboarding and orientation materials supported retailers in becoming an Auburn University Vendor and tracking incentive issuance and redemption. Accurate and complete transaction level reporting was achieved for each month of program participation by all participating retailers. Alabama GusNIP also established an efficient reimbursement system with the capacity to reimburse firms within 10 days of monthly invoice receipt, ensuring firms are reimbursed by the 15th of the month. In addition to a press release and website, participating firms received on-location promotional materials. Ten outdoor banners, 13 A frames with signs, 150 posters, 5,000 shelf talkers, 15 register signs, and 200 buttons were distributed to participating firms. A statewide launch event was held in May 2022. The Alabama GusNIP PC maintained close communication with each participating firm's designated contact. In addition to being available via phone, email, or Zoom for any questions, the PC conducted one-on-one calls with each participating firm on a monthly basis and a site visit during year one. Alabama GusNIP also partnered with SNAP-Ed educators to promote awareness and knowledge about the incentive program. SNAP-Ed distributed flyers at 15 community locations in three counties throughout the year. They also conducted direct nutrition education at one farmers market and both grocery stores. Goal 2 Strategy 1 Alabama GusNIP promoted Double Up Food Bucks Alabama (DUFB AL) to SNAP recipients using a variety of mediums. A total of 104,000 DUFB AL branded direct mailers were distributed to all SNAP recipients in counties with participating firms. Alabama GusNIP provided participating firms on-location promotional materials. Lastly, participating firms and SNAP-Ed were provided posters detailing how SNAP households could engage with DUFB AL along with participating retailer location information. Strategy 2 Alabama GusNIP partnered with SNAP-Ed educators in counties with participating retailers to promote the incentive program. SNAP-Ed distributed flyers at 15 community locations in three counties. They also conducted direct nutrition education at one participating farmers market and both participating grocery stores. Alabama GusNIP provided participating farmers markets with specific on-location promotional materials to be used at the point-of-incentive issuance and redemption. Each vendor who sold items eligible for incentive redemption at a participating farmers market received a "Use DUFB AL Here." Strategy 3 Alabama GusNIP redeemed $69,614 for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocers and $27,828 in local, fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets for a total of $97,442. Participating farmers markets issued, on average, $526 per month and redeemed, on average, $464 per month for a redemption rate of 88%. Participating grocers issued, on average, $9,579 per month and redeemed, on average, $3,481 per month for a redemption rate of 36%. Goal 3 Strategy 1 All participating farmers markets implemented a 1:1 SNAP: fruit and vegetable match, with all the fruit and vegetables being locally produced. Further, on-location signage at participating farmers markets promoted vendors with eligible items for incentive redemption, which were small to mid-size fruit and vegetable producers from Alabama. Strategy 2 Alabama GusNIP supported participating grocers in learning about Sweet Grown Alabama and its ability to support identification of producers who could provide desired Alabama grown produce. Alabama GusNIP also worked alongside the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to increase awareness of the Farmers Market Authority regarding Alabama GusNIP. Strategy 3 Training and technical assistance supported capacity building among participating firms. In year one, Alabama GusNIP PC provided multiple training sessions and technical assistance to participating firms. Technical assistance was provided to each participating firm as needed throughout the first year, including connectivity to vendors providing services to enhance technology or innovation in implementation of Alabama GusNIP and beyond.
Publications
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