Numerator: SNAP Recipients Shop More Frequently, Walmart Reigns Supreme
According to the scorecard, SNAP shoppers are less likely than Non-SNAP shoppers to frequent more “premium” retailers such as Target, Whole Foods and Publix. When they do visit, they spend less than Non-SNAP shoppers on average.
When it comes to buying groceries on Amazon, 46% of SNAP households buy groceries on Amazon compared to 57% of Non-SNAP households. However, SNAP households who do shop on Amazon for groceries spend about 18% more with the e-tailer ($236 annually vs. $200 for Non-SNAP), likely driven by their larger households and increased grocery needs.
Finally, between America’s two largest club chains, SNAP recipients favor Sam’s Club of Costco, despite Costco capturing more overall share (6.0% compared to 4.3%). Sam’s Club draws in a larger percentage of SNAP shoppers (42.2% vs. 36.4% for Costco) and higher overall spending.