A study evaluated the effectiveness of Rhode Island’s Eat Well, Be Well (EWBW) program, the first state-level SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive initiative. The program automatically enrolls SNAP participants, offering a $0.50 credit for every $1 spent on fresh produce, up to $25 per month. Researchers compared dietary intake before and after the program’s implementation in Rhode Island to a control group in Connecticut.

Out of 725 participants, primarily women with an average age of 34.5, baseline fruit and vegetable intake was similar in both states. The study found no significant overall change in intake in Rhode Island compared to Connecticut. However, participants with higher baseline consumption of fruits and vegetables showed a notable increase in intake. Awareness of the EWBW program was low, with only 36.8% of Rhode Island respondents correctly identifying its purpose and 26.4% using the discounts.

The study concluded that while the EWBW program did not significantly change overall intake, it benefited those who already consumed more fruits and vegetables. Improved outreach and broader retail partnerships are recommended to enhance the program’s effectiveness and reach.