Welfare reform and nutrition programs: Contemporary budget and policy realities

This paper reviews the impact of the major policy reforms being considered by Congress and the Administration on the food assistance and nutrition programs. Evidence on the nutritional effectiveness of WIC, the Food Stamp Program, and School Meals is summarized; the implications of the current set of block grant proposals on nutrition standards, economic responsiveness of the programs, eligibility and benefits, and funding are reviewed and discussed. The final section discusses policy reforms that have the potential to enhance the cost effectiveness of the major nutrition programs.