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Design Flaws: Consequences of the Coverage Gap in Food Programs for Children at Kindergarten Entry

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  • Irma Arteaga
  • Colleen Heflin
  • Sarah Parsons

Abstract

Children age out of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at 60 months and become eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) upon kindergarten entry. During this period of time, low‐income children experience fewer food support services than at any other time. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, we examine the effects of the duration of the coverage gap between WIC and NSLP on kindergarteners’ skills. Results show evidence of negative effects on reading, though not on math. Findings also suggest that, for children in full‐day kindergarten, effects on reading fade out in the spring term.

Suggested Citation

  • Irma Arteaga & Colleen Heflin & Sarah Parsons, 2019. "Design Flaws: Consequences of the Coverage Gap in Food Programs for Children at Kindergarten Entry," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 41(2), pages 265-283, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:41:y:2019:i:2:p:265-283
    DOI: 10.1093/aepp/ppy009
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    Cited by:

    1. Theresa Anderson & Elaine Waxman & Craig Gundersen, 2022. "The impact of the Meals‐to‐You program on food insecurity," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(3), pages 1499-1512, September.

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