Families in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program: Comparison of Food Stamp and Food Distribution Program Participants and Non-Participants

• Main Authors: Feaster, J. Gerald, Perkins, Garey B
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.1973
• Edition: 1473
• Series: Agricultural Economic Report No. 246
• Subjects: Agricultural and Food Policy; consumption; expenditures; food; Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety; Food Security and Poverty; human nutrition; income; Low-income families; poverty
• DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.307489

Socioeconomic and food consumption profiles of families in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) are presented according to their food assistance status during 1969. This includes profiles of food stamp and food distribution program participants, eligible nonparticipants, and ineligible families. EFNEP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Extension Service. Significant differences in socioeconomic characteristics and food consumption practices existed among EFNEP families according to their food assistance program status. Among participants and those eligible but not participating, food stamp families fared best in both economic and food consumption characteristics. Food assistance recipients and eligible nonparticipants ranked below ineligibles in economic and food consumption characteristics. Regression analysis identified significant factors contributing to variations in food expenditures and family income. Income and family size were among the variables significantly related to food expenditures, while education and family size were among those significantly related to family income.