Abstract This paper takes a look at the foodstampprogram, one of the largest welfare programs in many developed (and increasingly developing countries). The paper points out that it is a rather expansive program, which has many proposed economic benefits for the society. Using the tools of consumer theory, the foodstampprogram is examined in relation to a cash incentive program. The paper then examines whether cash transfers, as opposed to foodstamps, lead to consumers being on a higher or similar utility curve or preference set . The paper relates that this analysis is not only applicable to the foodstampprogram in the United States but can be applied to the plethora of real world programs adopting in-kind transfers. In conclusion, the paper maintains that cash transfers can provide an outcome that is clearly superior to in-kind transfers.
Outline:
Introduction
Modeling the Superiority of Cash Payments to In-Kind Transfers
Consumer Theory
Why are Governments Engaging In a Less Efficient Outcome: Should the Government Be Issuing Cash?
Understanding the Dominance of In-Kind Transfers: A Case Study of Fiscal Year 2008 United States Federal Budget
Appendix (includes graphs)
From the Paper "Transfers like the food stamp shift the budget set upward, however, the food stamps place a kink in the budget set, since there is a threshold over which consumers cannot go. This is because food stamps can only buy certain classes of goods, and all other goods will not necessarily increase. On the other hand, cash transfers, will lead to a complete shift of the budget set, rather than, a kinked upward shift; so the budget constraint goes beyond I/PA in Figure 1. Clearly, with cash transfers, the consumer will always be on an indifferent curve that is higher or the same level as the in-kind transfers which is food stamps in this example; which implies that cash transfers are preferred to in-kind transfer when compared to the food stamp program."
Abstract This paper discusses the FoodStampProgram in the United States, which provides food to low-income people. It explains that, although the United States Department of Agriculture administers the program, each state, individually, distributes the benefits. The program as it exists today has gone through several evolutionary stages. These changes are examined in the paper.
From the Paper "The first Food Stamp Program (FSP) was implemented in 1939. The program allowed people who were on relief to purchase orange stamps that were equal to their normal food expenditures. For every $1 worth of orange stamps that were purchased, the FSP gave them 50 cents worth of blue stamps. The orange stamps could be used at food retailers for whatever food the recipient wanted to buy. The orange stamps, however, could only be used by surplus foods determined by the Department ("Food Stamp")."
Abstract For generations, America has welcomed immigrants to participate in its growth. Now, however, that stream of immigration from Western nations has turned into a flood of under-educated, untrained large families leaving a poverty-stricken nation (in Latin America or Asia) to find relief in America. The paper examines the Hunger Relief Act of 1999 and the FoodStampProgram which was introduced to combat poverty in the United States, particularly among new immigrants and illegal aliens.
From the Paper "Even as the Hunger Relief Act proposes further aid and funding for needy immigrants, the trends are troubling given evidence of food insecurity and poverty that mirrors the expanding levels of immigration. As the GAO points out, "There is a growing gap between the number of children living in poverty - an important indicator of children's need for food assistance - and the number of children receiving food stamp assistance." If this interpretation of the situation is correct, we need not be concerned with more information regarding legal and illegal immigrants. We prefer continued obfuscation and political correctness of the issues of resolving hunger to the embarrassment that clarification might bring."
Abstract This paper discusses the problems of world hunger and specifically analyzes the United Nations' Food World Program. It discusses the aims and objectives of the program and the long term strategy that is needed to reduce chronic hunger. The paper suggests that this particular program remains quite ineffective for long term results and discusses why this is so.
From the Paper "A long term strategy is needed to reduce chronic hunger. Worldwide food aid programs and associations are needed in order to be effective in the long term. First, instead of sending out food and supplies, developed countries need to invest in agriculture in order to promote a country's self-reliance and stability. For instance, if a country is independent of food aid, it will be able to trade with other countries, therefore being able to sell their surplus of food. Furthermore, local governments need to search ways to distribute equally their food to the population in order to promote price stability and reduce chronic hunger; they also need to build some kind of food reserves to be used in cases of emergency. Moreover, investing in women's needs is primordial; investing in health, education and economic well-being of women is a crucial element in the strategy for helping developing countries."
Abstract This paper is critical of the Hunger Relief Act of 1999, arguing that it will expand entitlements to immigrants and overtax the U.S. budget. The author maintains that the majority of America's hungry are recent immigrants, who have come from impoverished countries to the U.S. in search of a hand-out. The author concludes that the U.S. needs ambitious people of all genders, colors and ethnic backgrounds seeking to participate in the nation's economic growth rather those coming just to collect foodstamps and welfare checks.
From the Paper "The Hunger Relief Act of 1999, co-sponsored by a bi-partisan group of liberal senators and Congress-persons, will expand food stamps and increase the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The bill was introduced in the Senate on October 27, and in the house on November 1. Of course, it is humanely and politically incorrect to be "against" eliminating hunger. What is possible, however, is to be against the new bureaucracy that this bill engenders, and the increased dependency on federal welfare programs, when hunger should be eradicated by providing work and income incentives that will provide the nourishment for young and old. This is far more fair than handouts generation after generation, where little effort is made to find the reasons for poverty and hunger and attacking them."
Abstract The paper examines the budget of a food share program. The purpose of the budget is to present it in an application for a grant proposal. The budget is in-depth and includes program revenues, program personnel expenses, and the program non-personnel expenses.
From the Paper "The paper discusses the budget of a Food Share program as it would need to be formulated for a grant proposal and application. The budget proposal covers the program revenues, program personnel expenses, and the program non-personnel expenses. Additionally, each budget line item is directly addressed as a footnote to provide greater insight and accuracy."
Abstract This paper explains that, while the changes have moved in a direction that is supposed to help families get out of the system, they still fall short of the mark; welfare is bad for families because it encourages dependency on the program, which can be multi-generational. The author points out that welfare in every state pays stipends that vary in what they lay out in cash, but the payments are all well below the national poverty level and not enough to live on. The paper relates that foodstamps open the door for fraud; if the family adults go to work, the entire family loses the foodstamps.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Problems
Conclusion
From the Paper "While this is a sad plight, it also proves that families can survive without the benefit of a welfare program. Welfare dependency goes deeper than financial issues. Welfare stigma can create a depression and embarrassment of the person who collects it. Welfare is frowned upon by John Q. Public and those who are on it often lose confidence in their ability to tackle their problems and overcome their plight. That defeatist attitude can be made worse each time a participant in a welfare program has to pull out a food stamp card in a store, or enroll their child in a state run free day care program. Another thing that can be discouraging is that many employers get tax benefits by hiring welfare recipients. Those recipients disclose to the employer that they receive welfare and that can be embarrassing so the recipient chooses not to look for a job at all."
Abstract Many social welfare programs incorrectly assume that all families share their incomes fairly. The need for a welfare state was absolute. The federal government pays the foodstamps. Job Opportunities and Basic Skills. The JOBS program is funded through a cost sharing arrangement between Federal and state funds that varies by state. The Medicaid program is used by states to provide health care to low-income families with children, the elderly poor and disabled. The federal government pays the full cost of the minimum income level.
Abstract Welfare, including foodstamps and other aspects of this social issue, has been a part of the American scene for many years. Under former President Bill Clinton, and now under current President George Bush, the scope of welfare programs is changing dramatically. In this paper, I will argue for a phase-out of these programs.
Abstract This paper discusses the Oil for Food scandal at the United Nations, explaining that it is not an isolated incident. Rather, it is yet another indication that the UN is plagued by deep and fundamental problems. The paper argues that the Oil for FoodProgram, like many UN programs and decision-making processes, demonstrate that the UN is structurally flawed, divided by the conflicting political and economic agendas of its member states, crippled by ineffective leadership, and powerless to institute meaningful reforms.
From the Paper "When it was first established in 1996, the United Nation's Oil for Food Program "gave hope to millions of Iraqi people who had become the unintended victims of international sanctions against Saddam Hussein. It allowed Iraq to sell its oil to finance purchases of humanitarian goods supervised by the United Nations""
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to food safety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organic foods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organic foods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organic food if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
Organic Food as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
Abstract This paper discusses corporate wellness programs, specifically the Hershey Foods Inc.'s "Fit For Life" Workforce Wellness Program. The paper describes how this service is offered to Hershey employees at the company's head office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The paper explains that the program includes access to the organization's on-site fitness center and indoor pool and that this service is also available to spouses of employees.
From the Paper "No matter how much a corporation invests in technology, equipment, or inventory, employees are an organization's most valuable asset. It is important for companies to provide employee programs and services that foster health and well-being. It makes sense for organizations to invest in employee education and resources, especially since absenteeism and sick time is on the rise. Recent studies show that organizations that provide wellness programs to staff members have also experienced increased employee job satisfaction, morale, and productivity."
Abstract The paper explains that the general purpose of Community Action Agencies and the Community Action Programs (CAPs) is to help people to help themselves in achieving self-sufficiency; most provide emergency food assistance and basic care. The paper relates that some branches also have drug awareness programs, frequently targeted towards young people. The paper discusses how CAPs can provide useful community support regarding education and counseling for individuals with potential substance abuse issues or issues regarding AIDS and HIV.
Outline:
Brief History of CAPs
Function of CAPs
Relationships Between CAPs and Substance Abuse in the Community
Relationship Between CAPs and HIV/AIDS
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the Community Action Partnership (CAP) of America, an umbrella organization designed to publicize and support Community Action Agencies around the country, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) were established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to help fight America's War on Poverty. These organizations strive to serve their communities through direct advocacy on behalf of local, low-income residents and through the operation of an "integrated and comprehensive set of antipoverty projects." ("Community Action Agencies and Local Youth: Building a Future Together" 2003, Community Action Partnership (CAP))"
Abstract This paper considers the use of the computer in the food and beverage industry today. According to this paper, the industry itself is not a single entity but includes a variety of different types of business from food service establishments to wholesale and retail outlets selling products. Computers and software applications have a variety of uses within these different types of food and beverage businesses, from the keeping of records as would be true in any business, to new methods of keeping track of stock and making business decisions.
From the Paper "Computers have been adapted for use in virtually every type of business, and this includes the food and beverage industry. Companies adopt information technology (IT) either because they see this as conferring a competitive advantage or because they believe that not doing so puts them at a disadvantage in the industry. The food and beverage industry itself is not a single entity but includes a variety of different types of business, from food service establishments to wholesale and retail outlets selling products. Computers have a variety of uses within these different types of business, from the keeping of records as would be true in any business to new methods of keeping track of stock and making business decisions."
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast food industry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the "healthy quality" of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
