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The Effect of Free School Meals on Household Food Purchases: Evidence from the Community Eligibility Provision

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Listed:
  • Michelle M. Marcus
  • Katherine G. Yewell

Abstract

We find access to universal free school meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) had a meaningful impact on grocery spending for households with children, with monthly food purchases declining by about $11, or 5 percent. For households in zip codes with higher exposure, the decline is as high as $39 per month, or 19 percent. The composition of food purchases also changes after CEP, with low income households experiencing a 3 percent improvement in dietary quality. Finally, CEP exposure is associated with an almost 5 percent decline in households classified as food insecure. Our results on the heterogeneous effects of CEP exposure by prior free/reduced price lunch eligibility reveal benefits in terms of both spending, dietary composition, and food insecurity for previously eligible low-income families, suggesting that the stigma of free school meals may be declining after universal access.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle M. Marcus & Katherine G. Yewell, 2021. "The Effect of Free School Meals on Household Food Purchases: Evidence from the Community Eligibility Provision," NBER Working Papers 29395, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29395
    Note: CH ED EH PE
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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