Child Food Insecurity and the Food Stamp Program: What a Difference Monthly Data Make

Abstract

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is a cornerstone of the food assistance safety net’s efforts to reduce household food insecurity, particularly among children. We examine the dynamic relationship between FSP participation and child food insecurity using monthly measures from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, rather than annual measures. Findings demonstrate that child food insecurity increases in the months immediately prior to FSP entrance but then partially recovers in the following months. These dynamic FSP effects are masked when annual measures are employed.