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Experimental evidence from the USA shows that recurring unconditional cash transfers improve the diets of low-income individuals

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Whether recurring unconditional cash transfers are effective at improving diets in high-income country settings has remained uncertain given competing demands of cash-constrained individuals. Evidence from Massachusetts, USA, demonstrates that recurring unconditional cash transfers reduced caloric deficits and improved consumption of nutritious foods.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Economic Research Service. The findings and conclusions in this publication are those of the author and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or US Government determination or policy.

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Correspondence to Brandon J. Restrepo.

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The author declares no competing interests.

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Restrepo, B.J. Experimental evidence from the USA shows that recurring unconditional cash transfers improve the diets of low-income individuals. Nat Food (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-026-01299-z

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