A growing economics literature establishes a causal link between in utero shocks and health and human capital in adulthood. Most studies rely on extreme negative shocks such as famine and pandemics. We are the first to examine the impact of a positive and policy-driven change in economic resources available in utero and during childhood. In particular, we focus on the introduction of a key elem...

We examined the effects of household participation in the Food Stamp and WIC Nutrition Programs on the nutrient intakes of preschoolers using data from the 1989-1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals. Nonbreastfeeding children, 1-4 y of age, with 3 d of dietary data and whose households had incomes < 130% of the poverty level were included in the study sample (n = 499). Nutrient a...

terms of expenditure. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, an earnings subsidy program, which provides tax credits to low-income families with earnings, is third largest. The Food Stamp program, which provides food coupons to the poor, and programs for subsidized housing for the poor are fourth and fifth, respectively. The TANF program is, as the table shows, only the sixth largest prog...

This paper analyzes three bills to reform the food stamp program: S.2451, sponsored by Senators McGovern and Dole; S.2537, the Administration's proposal; and S.1993, sponsored by Senator Buckley. The most important provisions of these reform bills are summarized and evaluated, emphasizing proposed income maximums for eligibility and changes in benefit levels. Then the impacts of each bill on se...

guided by the principle that Americans should not be hungry or malnourished because they cannot afford a nutritious diet. Food assistance programs help to provide food and meet nutritional requirements for individuals and households that are vulnerable due to low income or other circumstances. Originally initiated in the early 1930s, with the primary objective to dispose of surplus agricultural...