RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Effect of Safety-Net Programs on Food Insecurity
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 589
OP 614
DO 10.3368/jhr.51.3.1013-5987R1
VO 51
IS 3
A1 Lucie Schmidt
A1 Lara Shore-Sheppard
A1 Tara Watson
YR 2016
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/51/3/589.abstract
AB We investigate to what extent major safety-net program benefits affect food insecurity in families. We impute program eligibility and benefits in each state for 2001–2009, accounting for cross-program eligibility rules. We use simulated eligibility and benefits for a nationally representative sample as instruments for imputed eligibility and potential benefits. Among nonimmigrant, low-income, single-parent families, $1,000 in potential cash or food benefits reduces the incidence of food insecurity by 1.1 percentage points on a base of 33 percent. Cash and food both reduce food insecurity. The results highlight the importance of jointly considering a full range of safety-net programs.