"I Was Afraid to Apply": Community-based Organizations and Access to SNAP for Latine Immigrant Families with Children

Objective: This study focuses on barriers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment and retention for Latine immigrant families in New York City and the value of facilitated access to SNAP provided by community-based organizations (CBOs). Methods: Between 2021 and 2023, we conducted surveys and interviews with Latine parents of children under 18 who received SNAP-related assistance from a CBO in the past year (250 surveys, 15 interviews). We also conducted interviews with staff from this same CBO (3 interviews with 6 participants). Results: Findings underscore the importance of SNAP to immigrant families with low incomes, the specific challenges immigrant families face in accessing the program, and the value of CBOs in facilitating access to SNAP for these families - by providing information, instilling trust, and addressing administrative burdens. Conclusions: Current SNAP enrollment and recertification processes create access barriers for eligible immigrants. Potential policy approaches to increase access include adjustments to documentation requirements, including reducing reliance on third parties; coordinated enrollment across benefit programs; improving language services; clarifying eligibility requirements that may cause fear among immigrants; and providing consistent and sufficient funding to CBOs facilitating access.