Effects of food stamp program participation and other sociodemographic characteristics on food expenditure patterns of elderly minority households

An Engel-type regression model was used to examine the relationship between Food Stamp program participation, socioeconomic characteristics, and household food expenditures. Findings suggest that Food Stamp subsidies, money income levels, and housing subsidies have a strong relationship with household food expenditure patterns. Food Stamp subsidies were significantly more effective in enhancing food expenditures at the lower household income ranges. Food Stamp subsidies also interacted strongly with housing rental subsidies, feeding programs, and money income to improve the quantity and quality of food consumption. Findings suggest that multiple-program benefits are important policy instruments for providing an adequate economic safety net for the elderly poor.