The Food Stamps Program and Economic Security Among Low‐Income Families, Part I

Abstract

Part I: This analysis examines the role of the Food Stamps Program (FSP) in promoting economic security from 2004 to 2007. The goal is to explain how FSP has affected labor supply, income, and poverty at the family level. This analysis is published in two parts. This first article surveys the relevant research, develops the appropriate theoretical and empirical propositions, and presents and discusses the impact of FSP receipts on the poverty status of families. Findings suggest a significant contribution of the program's near-cash Food Stamps toward increasing income and reducing poverty. The second article, to appear in issue 5.1, presents findings from a more systematic analysis of the complex relationship of FSP with labor supply, income, and poverty.

Understanding and Tackling Poverty and Vulnerability in Mountain Livelihoods in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

“…The breakdown of traditional risk-sharing mechanisms, along with population growth, urbanisation, and new risks like market volatility and climate change have triggered several formal social-protection initiatives, with social insurance, social assistance, and labour programmes becoming increasingly visible in the HKH's public-policy domain (Wagle 2012). Although these programmes have provided immediate relief to families in need, they are hardly effective in developing the assets and market access necessary for long-term viability of smallholder farmers.…”