Student Corner: The Role of Technology in CED Service Delivery – Help or Hindrance? The Example of SNAP Benefit Enrollment

<p>There is no question technology has improved the ability of Community and Economic Development (CED) professionals to provide services. However, technology skill levels of CED professionals and their clients vary greatly, which means many may not be able to take advantage of the technological benefits, or the program benefits themselves.   When does technology switch from being a benefit to a barrier for CED programs?  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, may provide some insights.</p> <p>SNAP is an essential component of American social services, helping low-income individuals and families access nutritious food. The program provides participants with Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (EBT), which send money directly from a government funded account to a food retailer—like a debit card. SNAP not only assists those facing food insecurity, but also stimulates the economy by transferring money back to grocers.  In North Carolina, the program is referred to as Food and Nutrition Services.</p> <p>Unfortunately, according to data from the U.S Department of Agriculture, while 82% of those eligible participate in the program nationally, only 69% of eligible North Carolinians do–one of the lowest levels in the country.   Of the eligible working-age individuals in North Carolina, the take-up rate is 65%, and for the eligible elderly, the participation rate drops to only 35%.</p> <p>Many eligible individuals do not apply for SNAP because they are unfamiliar with the program or believe they are ineligible.  A critical point in the process is simply being able to apply.  Research has shown it is common for SNAP participants to need help in [...]</p>