Do Food Stamps Without Education Improve the Nutrient Intake of Recipients?

Abstract

The Food Stamp Program was created to enable low-income households to obtain a nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing their food purchasing power. To assess effectiveness in achieving this objective, this study examined the effect of Food Stamps on the dietary intake of households in three Southern states, comparing dietary adequacy indicators of homemakers from Food Stamp households vs. non-Food Stamp households. Findings from this study suggest relatively few differences in intake of food groups and selected nutrients between Food Stamp and non-Food Stamp households. Food Stamp recipients enrolled in Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) typically consumed more meat and fat, but less milk than non-Food Stamp recipients. Food Stamp recipients enrolled in FSNEP typically consumed more fat and energy than non-Food Stamp recipients. This study shows that the additional resources provided by the Food Stamp Program alone may not substantially change participants' dietary intake.