Private versus public relief: Use of food pantries versus food stamps among poor households

The research presented examines the role of Food Stamps versus food pantries in alleviating food shortages among poor households. First, multinomial legit models are used to examine which factors affect four alternate 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 using Food Stamps and/or food pantries 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 405 households below 185% of the poverty level in Allegheny County, PA. The research shows a preference among the nonelderly for the Food Stamp program over food pantries. Conversely, elderly households tend to use the food pantry system over the Food Stamp program.