Heterogeneity in the Effect of Food Insecurity on Grade Repetition

Erik Schmidt, Cornell University

This study seeks to assess the sources of heterogeneity in the effect of the experience of food insecurity on the likelihood of grade repetition among primary school students. Data drawn from the 1996 and 2004 panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation are used. A weighted regression technique is used to assess the manner in which factors that contribute to selection into food-secure and non-food-secure households affect the treatment effect for students. Preliminary analysis indicates that the effect of food insecurity varies markedly by family background.