The use of a discrete choice model to achieve consistent estimates of the nutritional effect of the food stamps program.
Item
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Title
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The use of a discrete choice model to achieve consistent estimates of the nutritional effect of the food stamps program.
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Identifier
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AAI8820917
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identifier
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8820917
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Creator
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Yu, Peter Shin-en.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Michael Grossman
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Date
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1988
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Economics, General | Health Sciences, Nutrition
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Abstract
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This study examines and estimates the nutritional effect of the Food Stamp Program. According to the Food Stamp Act of 1977, "To alleviate such hunger and malnutrition, a food stamp program is herein authorized which will permit low-income households to obtain a more nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation." The objective is to determine empirically whether the goal of the Food Stamp Act stated has been achieved for teenagers ages 12 to 18.;Normally, the ordinary least squares method is used to estimate the effect of those participating in the Food Stamp Program. However, if the participation variable is also capturing some unobservable phenomenon related to nutrient demand, then the OLS estimate yield biased and inconsistent results. The econometric technique used is a standard approach to correct for selectivity bias problem. First, the probability of participation is estimated by a probit equation. Then, the inverse of Mill's ratio LAMBDA obtained from the estimation of the participation equation enters into demand for nutrient equations.;The estimated results of the participation equation indicate that the major factors of decision to participate or not in the Food Stamp Program are the welfare status and sex of the head of household.;The empirical results on nutrient consumption from the NHANES II data used are surprising for those expecting positive nutritional effect from the Food Stamp Program. Even so, this study agrees with some of the earlier researches which showed little or no nutritional impact from the Food Stamp Program.;The implication of this type of result is apparent to people with preconceived notion about the Food Stamp Program. The results suggest attempts to improve nutrition by increasing consumer income do not seem to be effective. This implies that the Food Stamp Program needs to improve on the means to achieve its primary objective on nutrition.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
