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Improving Food Choices Among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients

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  • Wen You
  • Paul D. Mitchell
  • Rodolfo M. Nayga

Abstract

We used a principal–agent framework to examine the feasibility of two proposed modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with the goal of encouraging healthier food choices among program participants. Specifically, we analyzed two types of contract: a restricted contract and an incentive contract. The restricted contract did not allow the purchase of unhealthy foods with program benefits, but compensated participants by increasing total benefits. The incentive contract provided increased benefits that varied according to the percentage of healthy foods purchased with program benefits. The theoretical results revealed the mechanisms for the two alternative contracts, the conditions under which each would be effective, and the key empirical questions to be examined for future policy analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen You & Paul D. Mitchell & Rodolfo M. Nayga, 2012. "Improving Food Choices Among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(7), pages 852-864, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:21:y:2012:i:7:p:852-864
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.1758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Norbert Wilson, 2016. "When the Cupboards Are Bare: Nudging Food Pantry Clients to Healthier Foods," Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, University of Chicago Press, vol. 1(1), pages 125-133.

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