In 2018 a survey was conducted of stores accepting SNAP electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards in the Kentucky counties of Bourbon, Boyle, Breathitt, Jackson, Knott, Lincoln, Madison, and Owsley. The survey was a component of research conducted by CEDIK at the University of Kentucky, in conjunction with the Kentucky Grocers and Convenience Store Association to gain a better understanding of local food environments and to learn more about grocery store policies and practices. The reports in this series explore the challenges and practices of stores that accept EBT cards and the implications for local food access in the study area. All the participating counties represent areas of high eligibility for participation in the federal SNAP programs. This publication series was developed with support from SNAP-Ed.

Overview: Survey of SNAP Food Providers in Eight Kentucky Counties
Daniel Kahl, Karen Fawcett, Jayoung Koo, Kang Namkoong*, and Jairus Rossi

Food access for SNAP users impacts the health of Kentucky residents. Building on an assessment of the Policies, Systems and Environmental aspects impacting access to healthy foods, this document introduces a series of reports stemming from a study of food providers conducted in Kentucky.  The publication outlines food access for EBT Card users including types of food providers, why stores participate in SNAP, and information on when EBT cards are most utilized.

Business Needs and Community Connections
Daniel Kahl, Karen Fawcett, Jayoung Koo, Kang Namkoong*, and Jairus Rossi

Many food providers struggle with thin profit margins when managing their food stores. This publication explores the challenges of operation for food providers, as well as where stores find support. It concludes by reporting ways that food providers have established community connections to work together to improve community health.   

Local Food Demand
Jairus Rossi, Karen Fawcett, Daniel Kahl, Jayoung Koo, and Kang Namkoong*

Local Food Demand reports on the food environment and food options from the perspective of Kentucky food providers. The publication reports on the interest, demand, and availability of local and organic foods.

Getting the Word Out: Communication Methods
Kang Namkoong*, Karen Fawcett, Daniel Kahl, Jayoung Koo, and Jairus Rossi

Important to every business, this report assesses the methods food providers use for marketing and communicating with their customers as well as the broader community.  This report shows trends and practices and provides new ideas for business marketing. 

Store Access and Availability of Food Types
Jayoung Koo, Daniel Kahl, Karen Fawcett, Kang Namkoong*, and Jairus Rossi

Understanding the food environment includes gaining a better understanding of the availability of food types, when and where they are available, and issues of access to the store. This document explores barriers and access to foods in the eight-county study area and provides insights on the physical and systematic differences of food access between Central and Eastern Kentucky.

*Dr. Namkoong is a faculty member in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland.