Private versus public relief: Utilization of food pantries versus food stamps among poor households in Allegheny County, Pennsylvannia

Abstract

The research presented examines the role of private versus public food assistance programs in alleviating food shortages among poor households. First, multinomial probit models are used to examine which factors affect four alternative food assistance choices poor households make: (a) to use Food Stamps, (b) to use a food pantry, (c) to use both programs, or (d) to use neither program. Second, the efficacy of food pantries and food stamps in alleviating food shortages is investigated by using binomial probit models which estimate whether alternative food assistance programs have an effect on (a) whether the household perceives food shortages; and (b) whether a child's physical well-being is being compromised by a lack of food. The research uses data collected by the Food Distribution Research Project, which in 1993 surveyed 400 households below 185 percent of the poverty level.