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The challenge of program evaluation: When increasing program participation decreases the relative well-being of participants
- Abstract::
- Two goals of food assistance programs are to improve well-being and to increase participation among those in need. Progress in meeting the first goal can be measured by the difference in well-being between participants and eligible non-participants. This gap in well-being though can be affected by progress made toward the second goal of increasing participation rates. In particular, if those with the lowest levels of well-being disproportionately enter the program, the gap can increase. To examine whether this tension between goals exists empirically, we consider the case of the Food Stamp Program and its effect on food insecurity in the United States, using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). In particular, we use variation in State policies (the change in administrative error rates and the combined value of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and food stamp benefits) to analyze whether increasing participation rates leads to increases in the difference in food insecurity rates. Controlling for other factors, we find evidence of the tension between these two program goals insofar as States with policies which encourage participation have higher differences in the food insecurity rates of participants and non-participants.
- Author(s):
-
Gundersen, Craig , Jolliffe, Dean , Tiehen, Laura
- Subject(s):
-
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , food security , food and nutrition programs , poverty , household income , food policy , state government , program eligibility , public health , low income households , nutrition policy
- Description:
- Includes references
- Source:
- Food policy 2009 Aug., v. 34, issue 4
- Language:
- English
- Year:
- 2009
- Collection:
-
Journal Articles, USDA Authors, Peer-Reviewed
- File:
-
Download [PDF]
- Rights:
- Works produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted.
