A Bayesian Spatial Econometric Analysis of SNAP Participation Rates in Appalachia

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low- and no-income people in the United States. Its aim is to increase individuals’ food-purchasing power and improve the nutritional content of their diet. We employed recent advances in Bayesian spatial econometric modeling to determine the appropriate model for drawing inferences about the percentage of SNAP recipients in Appalachia. We found that there is significant spatial dependence justifying the use of spatial econometric methods. We also examined how changes in an independent variable affect the dependent variable for orders of neighbors over space