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Mothers as Insurance: Family Spillovers in WIC

Author

Listed:
  • Marianne Bitler
  • Janet Currie
  • Hilary W. Hoynes
  • Krista J. Ruffini
  • Lisa Schulkind
  • Barton Willage

Abstract

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a widely used program. Previous research shows that WIC improves birth outcomes, but evidence about impacts on children and families is limited. We use a regression discontinuity leveraging an age five when children become ineligible for WIC and examine nutritional and laboratory outcomes for adults and children. We find little impact on children who aged out of the program. But among adult women caloric intake falls and food insecurity increases, suggesting that mothers protect children by consuming less themselves. We find no effect on others in the household.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianne Bitler & Janet Currie & Hilary W. Hoynes & Krista J. Ruffini & Lisa Schulkind & Barton Willage, 2022. "Mothers as Insurance: Family Spillovers in WIC," NBER Working Papers 30112, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30112
    Note: CH EH LS PE
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    JEL classification:

    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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