Article
Economic Evaluation of Food Programs: The Case of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
(1997)
Abstract
Governmental food assistance for low-income consumers began with the New Deal and initially involved
surplus commodity distribution with an important objective of raising farm income (Nelson and Perrin).
In the current policy mix, these programs have evolved into the Food Stamp Program (FSP), the School
Lunch Program (SLP), the Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and a host of smaller
programs targeted mostly at children and the elderly. These programs, which now account for 65 percent
of the total USDA budget, have the dual objectives of nutritional support for low-income households and
reduction of agricultural surpluses. As these programs have become entrenched, however, they have
tended to be evaluated as an income supplement (Hiemstra). A comprehensive economic evaluation needs
to consider income and nutritional benefits for recipients as well as the market benefits for farmers and
indirect effects on taxpayers and other consumers.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1997
Publisher Statement
This is a working paper of an article originally published in American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 79 (August 1997): 902-917.
Citation Information
Richard E. Just and Quinn R. A. Weninger. "Economic Evaluation of Food Programs: The Case of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program" American Journal of Agricultural Economics Vol. 79 (1997) p. 902 - 917 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/quinn-weninger/20/