Food Price Elasticity by Status of Participation in Federal Food Assistance Programs: A Laboratory-Based Grocery Store Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Federal food assistance programs target low-income and nutritionally vulnerable Americans, with the dual goals of reducing food insecurity and improving diet quality. Individuals on limited food budgets may face constraints on their ability to purchase healthy foods when their prices increase, which could mitigate the intended impact of federal feeding programs. To better understand the effect of food price changes on healthy food purchases, we focus on eggs, which are rich in many important nutrients and can be a healthy part of a wide range of cultural food menus. Objective We use a laboratory-based grocery store experiment (n = 80) to examine the difference in price elasticity of eggs between individuals participating in food assistance programs and those not participating in these programs. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03296878. Methods Subjects completed several food purchasing trials, as well as questionnaires that assessed demographic, psychosocial, and other factors. Mixed linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between food price changes and food purchases (price elasticity). Results No difference in price elasticity was observed between groups, but subjects in both groups decreased their egg purchases by 6.9–8.6% for every 10% increase in egg price. For every 10% increase in the price of all nonegg foods, egg purchases increased by 3.3% among federal food assistance program participants but not nonparticipants, and purchases for foods such as lean meats, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains decreased by up to 14% among both groups. Conclusions Efforts to emphasize healthy eating strategies for individuals on limited budgets will be especially important during times of food price increases. Additional research is needed to estimate the price elasticities of other food groups among individuals participating in federal food assistance programs.