Food Expenditure and Nutrient Availability in Elderly Households

A model of food expenditure and nutrient consumption is developed and estimated using the data from the elderly supplemental survey to the 1977–78 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. Results provide strong evidence that elderly households make concurrent decisions on food budgets and nutritional needs. In addition to other socioeconomic and demographic factors, the Food Stamp Program has had significant impact on food expenditure and nutritional well-being of elderly households.