Policy & Practice October 2017

technology speaks By David Mounts

Accelerating the Modernization of SNAP—at the Speed of Digital

T he Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers one of the most promising opportuni- ties for accelerated modernization within health and human services. The in-market availability of the technology, its proven effectiveness in reaching and engaging program participants, and the many benefits that would be derived make improving SNAP an expedient reality. A singular, comprehensive solution would enable program-wide opti- mization. The successful solution will holistically address systemic challenges and advance the Food and Nutrition Service’s goal of healthier outcomes for constituents. That solution—that digital, mobile solution—exists today. Leveraging Proven Technology While the explosive growth in e-commerce has only recently domi- nated business headlines, digital technology has been powering retail for decades. Each day retailers and manufacturers successfully employ digital technology to engage, serve millions of customers, and securely execute billions of transactions. Their collective success achieving greater operational efficiency, enhancing system security, and improving service to external audiences clearly demonstrates that this time-proven technology can be leveraged to immediately accelerate needed mod- ernization for SNAP. This digital platform can be utilized by state agencies to enhance SNAP recipient engagement and to optimize SNAP operations. Further enhanced through

greater mobile access, and combined with advanced data analytics, this technology will drive improved outcomes for both SNAP recipients and administrators. Maximizing Mobile Engagement Digital technology has changed how Americans across demographics pursue their wellness and savings goals and gives further credence to the need for expanded digital utiliza- tion by SNAP; smartphone adoption now exceeds 81 percent 1 —with 64 percent of Americans earning less than $30,000 per year owning a smartphone. 2 Access to the Internet via a smart- phone is particularly prevalent among lower-income individuals as a signifi- cantly lower percentage of this group

has high-speed broadband connec- tivity at home. 3 Given these trends, implementation of mobile-optimized, digitally driven benefits management for SNAP would enable richer and more convenient engagement with program partici- pants. Leveraging a centralized user portal, this system would provide a one-stop, full-service destination for users to access their accounts and receive information on better eating habits and healthier food options to consider when shopping. An opt-in feature would also allow recipients to easily “clip” digital coupons for discounts on healthier foods. This last item is a unique— and central—advantage, as these paperless coupons would give SNAP

See SNAP on page 38

Illustration by Chris Campbell

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