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The Role of Functional Form in Estimating the Effect of a Cash-Only Food Stamp Program

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  • Levedahl, J. William

Abstract

Larger marginal impacts on household food spending come from food stamps than from equivalent cash income, according to previous studies. These studies have been limited, however, in using food expenditure equations that are linear in the coefficients, placing prior constraints on the estimated marginal propensities to spend (MPS) from cash and from stamps. This article re-examines the earlier MPS estimates in light of a more general and flexible food expenditure equation, comparing estimates from a common data set under alternative functional forms. The article estimates changes in food spending that would result under each functional form from "cashing out" food stamps, and replacing stamps with equivalent cash benefits. Results show that MPS estimates vary widely depending on functional form, past estimates tended to substantially exaggerate the cash-out effect in reducing food spending, and the most general, consistent, and flexible forms show a 10-cent reduction in food spending for each dollar of food-stamp benefit shifted to a cash payment.

Suggested Citation

  • Levedahl, J. William, 1991. "The Role of Functional Form in Estimating the Effect of a Cash-Only Food Stamp Program," Journal of Agricultural Economics Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, vol. 43(2), pages 1-9.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uersja:138264
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.138264
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Neenan, Pamela H. & Davis, Carlton George, 1977. "Impact Of The Food Stamp Program On Low Income Household Food Consumption In Rural Florida," Southern Journal of Agricultural Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 9(2), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Smallwood, David M. & Blaylock, James R., 1985. "Analysis Of Food Stamp Program Participation And Food Expenditures," Western Journal of Agricultural Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Neenan, Pamela H. & Davis, Carlton G., 1977. "Impact of the Food Stamp Program on Low Income Household Food Consumption in Rural Florida," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 89-97, December.
    4. Olsen, Edgar O, 1971. "Some Theorems in the Theory of Efficient Transfers," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 79(1), pages 166-176, Jan.-Feb..
    5. Ben Senauer & Nathan Young, 1986. "The Impact of Food Stamps on Food Expenditures: Rejection of the Traditional Model," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 68(1), pages 37-43.
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    Cited by:

    1. Diane Whitmore, 2002. "What Are Food Stamps Worth?," Working Papers 847, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    2. Rose, Donald & Gunderson, Craig & Oliveira, Victor, 1998. "Socio-Economic Determinants of Food Insecurity in the United States: Evidence from the SIPP and CSFII Datasets," Technical Bulletins 184377, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    3. Diane Whitmore, 2002. "What Are Food Stamps Worth?," Working Papers 847, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..

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    Food Security and Poverty;

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