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B4c Impact of Accessibility on Beneficiary Satisfaction in the Food Voucher Program: Evidence from South Korea’s National In-Kind Food Assistance
Short Description
The study analyzes the impact of food accessibility on beneficiary satisfaction, measured by Willingness to Accept (WTA), within South Korea's Food Voucher Program (FVP). The FVP is a national in-kind food assistance policy, similar to the U.S. SNAP, providing predetermined benefits loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for purchasing fresh food at designated outlets, primarily Hanaro Marts.
A key issue is the limited number of authorized outlets, which often creates geographic barriers and lowers the program’s practical value. The analysis differentiates between absolute accessibility (proximity of FVP outlets) and relative accessibility (convenience compared to ordinary food retailers).
Empirical findings reveal that absolute accessibility alone is not statistically significant. In contrast, relative accessibility shows a significant negative impact on WTA. When FVP outlets are less convenient than general retailers, beneficiaries perceive the program as burdensome, resulting in reduced satisfaction. This effect is strongest in urban settings, where alternative food options are abundant and the relative scarcity of FVP outlets becomes more problematic.
The study concludes that food assistance effectiveness depends not only on financial transfers but also on equitable and convenient access. Policy recommendations emphasize expanding FVP-eligible outlets to improve relative accessibility and address geographic disparities in program delivery.
Type of presentation
Accepted Oral Presentation