Federal Food Policy And Childhood Obesity: A Solution Or Part Of The Problem?

• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0731
• Publication Date: 2010-03-02T03:42:08Z
• Authors: Rachel Tolbert Ki...; Elizabeth Rigby
• Keywords: Food policy; Food Prices

Amid growing concern about childhood obesity, the United States spends billions of dollars on food assistance: providing meals and subsidizing purchases. We examine relationship between assistance body mass index (BMI) for young, low-income children, who are a primary target population federal programs efforts to prevent obesity. Our findings indicate that may unintentionally contribute obesity problem in cities with high prices. also find subsidized at school or day care beneficial children's weight status, we argue expanding access be most effective tool use combating poor children.