SNAP, Telehealth, and Nutrition: How digital programs support low-income families

Whether we want to admit it or not, healthy eating and living are a privilege in the United States, especially when we look at the data of those who don’t have access to affordable healthcare and food. According to the USDA, 18.8 million Americans live in a “food desert”, a term used to describe an area that doesn’t have access to proper nutrition education and resources. Simultaneously, 2024 reports from the Commonwealth Fund found that over 26 million Americans didn’t have access to healthcare coverage. Both of these issues can lead to a rise in health issues, from nutritional deficiencies to heart disease.

To address these issues, many government initiatives exist to ensure that Americans don’t go hungry. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) estimated that over 41 million Americans relied on its benefits every month in 2024. Still, there are more Americans who continue to go hungry. According to Feeding America, a non-profit dedicated to ending food insecurity in the U.S., over 47 million Americans face food insecurity every day. There are several reasons why there is still a gap of 6 million Americans who face food insecurity who have yet to access eligible SNAP benefits. The chief among them are stigma around receiving help from public assistance programs and a lack of education on how to apply.

Either way, the solution to healthy eating and living in America in recent years is something relatively simple—digital access. By making SNAP and other government programs more accessible online and providing tools like telehealth to the public, we can end nutritional diseases one screen at a time.

The role of digital access in health equity

While many families face low income, lack of healthcare, and proper nutrition, lack of digital access can also be a barrier for many families looking to improve their health. Even though a vast majority of Americans are on the internet, many older adults still don’t have the tools available to gain digital literacy and even more families can’t find affordable solutions. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, over a third of Americans who don’t have broadband access cite cost concerns as a reason why. As a result, many Americans don’t have access to vital education, resources, and government assistance programs that can be essential to their health.

As a way to bridge the “digital divide,” the FCC created the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps eligible households afford internet service and devices, ensuring more families can connect to the online tools that support their well-being. In addition, community organizations, libraries, and local nonprofits are playing a vital role by offering free Wi-Fi, lending laptops or tablets, and providing digital literacy training to help individuals navigate online systems with confidence.

These efforts do more than bridge a technological gap—they open doors to better health. As families gain the ability to connect online, digital platforms can deliver telehealth visits, nutrition education workshops, and benefit management tools directly to their homes.

How SNAP is going digital

For some Americans, it isn’t necessarily a lack of internet access that can serve as a barrier against receiving proper nutrition through government programs. It’s the stigma involved. Stigma can be anything from the social interactions SNAP beneficiaries experience when they use their SNAP benefits to the political policies that limit SNAP funding.

Fortunately, digital access can reduce stigma. For instance, when people have the ability to enroll online, it becomes more accessible, allowing people to sign up easily with little to no pushback. Likewise, with SNAP expanding its benefits to online shopping platforms, beneficiaries don’t have to worry about any stigmatizing interactions with other shoppers or employees while at the grocery store. This isn’t just theoretical, either. According to a 2024 study, those who used SNAP benefits online reported experiencing far less stigma than those who utilized them in person.

Furthermore, SNAP is embracing the digital movement by providing more education programs online—everything from the application process to online workshops related to healthy eating. This not only enables more families to apply to SNAP and avoid food insecurity, but it can also help them directly apply a proper nutrition plan to their families’ lifestyles, enabling them to live healthier lives.

Telehealth’s role in supporting family wellness

Beyond government programs, telehealth offered by healthcare providers has also improved health and wellness among low-income families. Those who faced limited access to healthcare due to cost concerns, geography, transportation issues, or scheduling challenges can now tap into top-tier medical expertise with only a Wi-Fi signal.

Expanding access to healthcare

For many Americans, the cost of a simple doctor check-up can dissuade them from actually receiving care. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) 2025 report, one-third of Americans will postpone medical care due to budgetary concerns. Luckily, telehealth can help reduce the costs for both patients and providers. Many healthcare insurance providers will also cover most telehealth visits, as well, minimizing the financial stress that can burden many low-income families.

In addition to high costs, traditional healthcare presents other logistical challenges. Lack of transportation, inflexible work hours, and the high cost of childcare can make it nearly impossible to attend regular appointments. Telehealth eliminates many of these barriers by allowing parents and children to connect with providers through smartphones, tablets, or computers—no travel or time off work required.

This accessibility has opened doors to vital services that were once out of reach. Physicians can now provide pediatric care, behavioral health counseling, and nutrition consultations virtually, ensuring families receive the support they need when they need it. Despite online speculation, the diagnoses physicians make in telehealth visits match up 90% to in-person visits, negating the need for follow-up in-person visits and saving a trip for families that may live in rural areas. For parents managing a child’s chronic condition or a behavioral health concern, online consultations can lead to life-changing prescriptions and treatment plans that improve long-term outcomes without the stress of navigating in-person systems.

Integrating nutrition into virtual care

Telehealth has been expanding to all specialties, not just family practitioners, as well, including dieticians and nutritionists. Since many low-income communities struggle with proper nutrition thanks to financial restraints and food desert conditions, this kind of healthcare can be a lifeline. These professionals can help families make the most of SNAP benefits, identify affordable nutrient-dense options, and create realistic meal plans that reduce the risk of common nutritional deficiencies such as anemia or vitamin D deficiency.

By combining nutritional counseling with other aspects of telehealth, families gain a more holistic approach to wellness. This integration ensures that healthcare goes beyond treating illness; it empowers families to build healthier lifestyles, even when access to traditional resources is limited.

Digital nutrition programs empowering families

Beyond telehealth visits with dieticians, many non-profits and private organizations have created online spaces and digital tools to make nutrition easier to handle for low-income families, such as:

• EatFresh.org: Offers free nutrition classes, connects users to local farmers’ markets, and hosts a dietitian chatbot for basic nutrition-based questions
• ‍Propel: A free app that enables users to manage their SNAP benefits and look up local grocery discounts so they can make the most of their SNAP benefits
• ‍SNAP-Ed Connection: Provides free educational materials on how to prepare certain foods and nutritional recipes for families using SNAP‍
• WIC Smart: Offers health, wellness, and nutrition lessons for WIC recipients that users can access anywhere‍
• Food Smart: A directory of nutritionists and dieticians users search based on their insurance coverage

For many of these online programs, users can customize them for their own purposes. For example, you can use EatFresh to manage diabetes symptoms or Food Smart on how to build a robust diet that excludes food allergies your kids may have. For this reason, these digital programs can provide the structure and encouragement that traditional programs often lack.

Using technology to tackle food deserts

While many digital tools help low-income families on an individual level, more platforms have been using technology to address food deserts on a systematic level. For example, apps like Propel have helped users track their EBT balance, while simultaneously connecting them with local farmers’ markets and grocery store discounts. As a result, families can make the most of their SNAP benefits, enabling them to build a nutritionally dense meal plan for their families.

Meanwhile, food access mapping platforms, such as the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas and Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, help policymakers and residents pinpoint areas of need. From this data, policymakers can correctly direct resources and create new policies to assist these areas of need. Grocery stores can also use this data to correctly identify when it may be prudent to build new grocery stores, providing fresh produce to families who need it.

Overcoming common barriers

As digital health and nutrition programs expand, they must account for the diverse needs of the families they serve. Overcoming these barriers is essential to ensure that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human-centered mission of public health.

Accessibility and language challenges

For digital public health tools to truly reach underserved communities, program designers must prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Many families rely solely on smartphones for internet access, making mobile-first platforms critical for equitable participation. Simplified interfaces, lightweight app designs, and offline functionality help ensure that users with limited bandwidth or older devices can still connect to essential resources.

Language accessibility is equally vital. Multilingual features allow families who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, or other languages to navigate programs with confidence. Integrated translation tools and plain-language text reduce confusion, while visual learning elements—such as videos, icons, and step-by-step illustrations—improve understanding for users with varying literacy levels.

Data privacy and trust

Many families hesitate to use telehealth portals or benefit applications due to concerns about data collection and misuse. Protecting sensitive information—such as medical histories, income verification, and personal identifiers—should be a top priority for both developers and public agencies.

While many users may have hesitations about using digital platforms due to data privacy, many systems have data privacy practices in place to protect users. For example, government-backed platforms like Healthcare.gov and state-run Propel systems undergo regular audits to maintain transparency and compliance.

The role of human connection in digital care

Even as technology reshapes access to care, the human element remains central to building trust and fostering long-term wellness. Families are more likely to engage consistently when digital programs convey empathy, warmth, and cultural understanding. Many telehealth and nutrition platforms achieve this by training providers in a digital bedside manner—skills that help them maintain eye contact on video, listen actively, and personalize each session despite physical distance.

Hybrid models are also emerging to bridge digital access with local, in-person support. For example, community health centers often supplement online consultations with on-site resource navigators who can help families set up devices, complete applications, or connect to local food banks. SNAP outreach programs sometimes pair digital enrollment drives with in-person community events to ensure no one is left behind.

This balance of technology and human connection ensures that progress in digital health doesn’t come at the expense of compassion. Instead, it expands the reach of care, making it both scalable and deeply personal.

How families can get started

For many households, knowing where to begin is the hardest part of accessing digital health and nutrition support. Fortunately, most programs make enrollment straightforward, with built-in tools to help families navigate the process from their phones or computers.

Finding and enrolling in programs

To access digital nutrition programs, follow these three easy steps:

1. Apply for SNAP: Most states now offer online enrollment, allowing applicants to upload verification documents (such as proof of income or residency) directly through the website or app. Once approved, families receive an EBT card, which they can link with participating online grocery retailers for digital food purchases.
2. Connect with a telehealth provider: Families enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP can access free or low-cost telehealth services through their insurance provider. From here, you can find the right telehealth clinic for you, such as Shed. To begin, families can schedule an appointment online, then join a secure video call from their smartphone, tablet, or computer.‍
3. Join an online nutrition education program: Free digital nutrition classes, such as those provided by SNAP-Ed Connection, EatFresh.org, and local WIC agencies, are easy to enroll in. Participants can usually register online using their email or benefit ID.

Taking these steps connects families to ongoing support networks where professionals, educators, and peers share tools to promote long-term wellness.

Making the most of digital health tools

Once enrolled, digital programs become most effective when families use them consistently and confidently. A few simple habits can help maximize the benefits:

• Set reminders and stay consistent: Use phone alarms or app notifications to remember upcoming telehealth visits, prescription refills, or SNAP renewal dates.
• Use built-in translation and accessibility tools: Most modern platforms include features to switch languages, add captions, or read text aloud, making it easier to follow along.
• Track progress and celebrate small wins: Many nutrition and telehealth apps include dashboards or journals where families can record meals, mood, or health changes over time.‍
• Ask providers about digital options: During any medical or nutrition appointment, ask whether they can handle follow-up visits, prescriptions, or educational sessions virtually.

By combining these strategies, families can turn technology into a powerful ally for health, nutrition, and financial stability.

The long-term impact of digital health tools

Digital health and nutrition programs do more than provide short-term convenience; they lay the foundation for lasting self-sufficiency and community well-being. For example, digital access can easily increase health literacy. Through apps, online courses, and telehealth visits, families gain practical knowledge about balanced eating, chronic disease management, and mental health care. This education ripples outward, helping parents model healthy behaviors for their children and inspiring entire communities to make informed choices about food and healthcare.

Overall, digital access isn’t just a convenience. It’s a bridge between hardship and hope.

With it, every family, no matter their zip code or background, will be able to eat well, stay healthy, and thrive in a system that meets them where they are.

Resources for low-income families

If you’re looking for more information or assistance for your family’s wellness, health, and nutrition, utilize these resources:

Government programs and public resources

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS): The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service oversees SNAP, SNAP-Ed, and related programs that improve food access and support health education for low-income households. Their website includes eligibility information, enrollment tools, and digital learning materials.
• SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot: This initiative allows SNAP participants to use EBT cards for online grocery shopping and delivery. It expands food access for families who live in food deserts or lack transportation options.
• Telehealth.HHS.gov: Managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this site offers guidance on telehealth coverage, virtual care privacy, and how families can access healthcare online.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—Health Equity Resources: The CDC provides research, data, and action guides for improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Their equity hub is a key resource for community health leaders and educators.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): This federal program offers discounts on internet service and connected devices to qualifying low-income households, helping bridge the digital divide for health and nutrition programs.
• USDA Hunger Hotline: A national helpline connecting individuals to local SNAP offices, food assistance, and nutrition resources in their area.‍
• Medicaid.gov: Provides up-to-date information on Medicaid coverage, eligibility, and telehealth access for low-income families seeking affordable healthcare options.

Nonprofit and community organizations

• Feeding America: The largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S., Feeding America partners with local food banks to provide nutritious meals and online education programs about healthy eating and food budgeting.
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA): NDIA works to make broadband access, devices, and digital literacy available to all. Their programs help families use technology to access telehealth, nutrition, and educational services.
• Alliance for a Healthier Generation: This nonprofit offers free digital wellness programs for families, schools, and youth. Their online coaching and tools promote healthy eating and physical activity.‍
• No Kid Hungry: This is a national campaign that connects families to meal programs through online maps and text tools. No Kid Hungry also offers nutrition education and community partnership resources.

Digital health and nutrition platforms

• Shed: This is a digital coaching platform that connects families with certified wellness coaches for personalized support. Shed bridges the gap between telehealth appointments and daily goal tracking, helping families maintain lasting healthy habits.
• ‍Telehealth Resource Centers (HRSA): Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), these regional centers provide telehealth training, implementation guides, and best practices for organizations and individuals.‍
• HealthFinder.gov: Managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HealthFinder offers personalized health tips, nutrition education, and preventive care information in English and Spanish.

‍