IMPROVING FOOD CHOICES AMONG SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RECIPIENTS
运用委托代理框架，分析补充营养援助计划的两种修改方案（限制合同和激励合同），探讨如何鼓励受助者选择更健康的食品，为政策制定提供理论依据。
We used a principal-agent framework to examine the feasibility of two proposed modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with the goal of encouraging healthier food choices among program participants. Specifically, we analyzed two types of contract: a restricted contract and an incentive contract. The restricted contract did not allow the purchase of unhealthy foods with program benefits, but compensated participants by increasing total benefits. The incentive contract provided increased benefits that varied according to the percentage of healthy foods purchased with program benefits. The theoretical results revealed the mechanisms for the two alternative contracts, the conditions under which each would be effective, and the key empirical questions to be examined for future policy analysis.