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Food Stamp Participation Among Low-Income Households: Theoretical Considerations of the Impact on the Demand for Food

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  • Mittelhammer, Ron
  • West, Donald A.

Abstract

The USDA's Food Stamp Program (FSP) is a major item in the department's budget. In effect from 1939 to 1943 and revived as a pilot program in 1961, FSP has grown until, in 1973, it provided nearly $4 billion in food stamps to an average of 12 million persons per month. About 55 percent of the $4 billion is federal subsidy. The program is continuing to expand as a result of a congressional mandate that FSP be in effect nationwide after June 30, 1974. Because of the FSP's growth, questions are now being asked about the program's impact on demand for food in the United States. In its pre-World War II inception, FSP was developed as an alternative to direct distribution of commodities to relief families. Although the objective of improving food consumption among needy households was recognized, FSP was viewed primarily as a method for stimulating demand for farm products.

Suggested Citation

  • Mittelhammer, Ron & West, Donald A., 1975. "Food Stamp Participation Among Low-Income Households: Theoretical Considerations of the Impact on the Demand for Food," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 7(1), pages 223-231, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jagaec:v:7:y:1975:i:01:p:223-231_01
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thurow, Lester C, 1974. "Cash Versus In-Kind Transfers," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 64(2), pages 190-195, May.
    2. Harold G. Love, 1970. "The Reasons Participants Drop Out of the Food Stamp Program: A Case Study and Its Implications," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 52(3), pages 387-394.
    3. Herman M. Southworth, 1945. "The Economics of Public Measures to Subsidize Food Consumption," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 27(1), pages 38-66.
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    1. Chavas, Jean-Paul & Yeung, M.L., 1982. "Effects Of The Food Stamp Program On Food Consumption In The Southern United States," Southern Journal of Agricultural Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, July.
    2. Levedahl, J. William, 1990. "The Effect Of Functional Form On The Estimated Marginal Propensities To Spend Out Of Food Stamps And Money Income And The Implications For A Cash-Only Food Stamp Program," 1990 Annual meeting, August 5-8, Vancouver, Canada 270908, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    3. Schoonover, David M., 1981. "PROSPECTS FOR US-USSR AGRICULTURAL TRADE IN THE 1980's," 1981 Annual Meeting, July 26-29, Clemson, South Carolina 279425, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    4. Phillips, Kathryn, 1980. "Impact Of The Food Stamp Program Vs. Cash Transfers On The Aggregate Demand For Food: A Theoretical Perspective," 1980 Annual Meeting, July 27-30, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 278990, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    5. Chavas, Jean-Paul & Keplinger, Keith O., 1983. "Impact of Domestic Food Programs on Nutrient Intake of Low-Income Persons in the United States," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 15(1), pages 155-163, July.
    6. West, Donald A. & Hunter, Leon J. & Travieso, Charlotte B., 1980. "Evaluation Of Food Consumption Programs: A New Approach," 1981 Annual Meeting, July 26-29, Clemson, South Carolina 279293, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    7. 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.
    8. Unknown, 1978. "The Food Stamp Program: A Review of Selected Economic Studies," Economics Statistics and Cooperative Services (ESCS) Reports 143229, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    9. 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.
    10. Huang, Chung L. & Fletcher, Stanley M. & Raunikar, Robert, 1981. "Modeling The Effects Of The Food Stamp Program On Participating Households' Purchases: An Empirical Application," Southern Journal of Agricultural Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 13(2), pages 1-8, December.
    11. Wilde, Parke E. & Ranney, Christine K., 1996. "The Distinct Impact Of Food Stamps On Food Spending," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 21(1), pages 1-12, July.
    12. Levedahl, J. William, 1991. "The Effect of Food Stamps and Income on Household Food Expenditures," Technical Bulletins 157026, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    13. West, Donald A. & Price, David W. & Price, Dorothy Z., 1978. "Impacts Of The Food Stamp Program On Value Of Food Consumed And Nutrient Intake Among Washington Households With 8-12 Year Old Children," Western Journal of Agricultural Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 3(2), pages 1-14, December.

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