The Economics and Nutritional Impacts of Food Assistance Policies and Programs

Posted: 10 Jul 2015

See all articles by Erin Lentz

Erin Lentz

University of Texas at Austin - Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs

Christopher B. Barrett

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management

Date Written: October 2013

Abstract

Recent evidence on malnutrition and poverty raise important questions on the role of food assistance policies and programs. In this review article, we examine evidence on the economic and nutritional impacts of international food assistance programs (FAPs) and policies. The returns on investments in FAPs are, on average, high but depend considerably on the targeting and cost structures as well as on food quality and role of complementary activities. We disaggregate findings into four classes of recipients. Returns to FAPs are highest for children under two. But, FAPs oriented towards early childhood interventions are less well funded than are interventions aimed at school-age children or at the broader, largely adult population even though available evidence indicates that these latter classes of interventions offer considerably lower average returns in economic, health, and nutrition terms. Nonetheless, FAP effectiveness in achieving any of several objectives varies with a range of key factors, including targeting, additionality, seasonality, timeliness, incentive effects, social acceptability and political economy considerations.

Keywords: International food assistance, Food aid, Food insecurity

Suggested Citation

Lentz, Erin and Barrett, Christopher B., The Economics and Nutritional Impacts of Food Assistance Policies and Programs (October 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2628753

Erin Lentz

University of Texas at Austin - Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs ( email )

2300 Red River St., Stop E2700
PO Box Y
Austin, TX 78713
United States

Christopher B. Barrett (Contact Author)

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management ( email )

315 Warren Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-7801
United States
607-255-4489 (Phone)
607-255-9984 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://aem.cornell.edu/faculty_sites/cbb2/

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