We evaluate the nationwide impact of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) implementation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on participants' outcomes by linking the EBT roll-out schedule to Vital Statistics Natality Data. We find that WIC participation increased, and birth outcomes improved, after EBT implementation, especially among groups that are likely to be WIC eligible. We find suggestive evidence that EBT increased participation by increasing interest in WIC and by reducing stigma at retailers. Policymakers can use our results as they evaluate future program changes that affect stigma and accessibility, including WIC online shopping.

In March 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the fortification of grain products with folic acid to prevent deficiency in folate, a critical micronutrient for fetal neurodevelopment. This paper examines the long run effects of this mandate on human capital outcomes. By comparing cohorts exposed and unexposed to the fortification across regions with different baseline folate deficiency levels, I find that in-utero exposure to the fortification raises the likelihood of post-secondary enrollment for young adults by 0.69 to 1.17 percentage points. It also reduces the likelihood of working full-time among 19-to-22-year-olds by 0.79 to 1.54 percentage points but has no impact on the labor supply of individuals over 22. Finally, my back-of-the-envelope calculation indicates that folic acid fortification provides long-term human capital benefits comparable to those of food stamps but at a significantly lower cost.