At A Glance
Noteworthy Characteristics
- Provides the location and name of retail markets that accept SNAP.
- Is the largest retailer locator available online.
- Can be used to study the food environment for SNAP beneficiaries or areas with SNAP-approved retail markets.
Website
http://www.snapretailerlocator.com/
Purpose
To provide data about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-approved retail markets in the United States (U.S.).
Target Population
SNAP-approved retail markets in the U.S.
Conducted
Began in 2010. Updated bi-monthly.
Sponsor
Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Contact:
RPMDHQ-Web@fns.usda.gov
Special Note(s)
SNAP was formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
The SNAP Retailer Locator allows users to locate a store by street address, city and state, or zip code. The application currently maps more than 200,000 authorized retail locations, including farmers’ markets.
Sampling
Sample Design
Directory, not a sample.
Source of Information
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is responsible for reviewing and approving applications from retail firms to exchange SNAP benefits for food. To do this, FNS operates a Store Tracking and Redemption System (STARS), which maintains, among other things, store identification and location data. This is the data source for the retailers listed in the SNAP Retailer Locator.
Sample Size
More than 200,000 SNAP-approved retail markets.
Key Variables
Geocode/Linkage
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Latitude / longitude | Based on SNAP records |
| Address | Based on SNAP records |
Other
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Store Name | Based on SNAP records |
Data Access and Cost
Data Availability
Obtain data through the SNAP Retailer Locator website. Data are available for download on a state-by-state basis as a comma separated value (CSV) file. The complete national data set can be downloaded as a map file through the Retail Locator website.
Cost
Free of charge.
Geocode/Linkage
Geocode Variable(s)
Store latitude / longitude, address.
Existing Linkages
These data have been linked to the USDA Food Environment Atlas and Data.gov.
Selected Publications
General
None noted.
