  We benchmark a multi-dimensional child nutrition intervention against an
unconditional cash transfer of equal cost. Randomized variation in transfer
amounts allows us to estimate impacts of cash transfers at expenditure levels
equivalent to the in-kind program, as well as to estimate the return to
increasing cash transfer values. While neither the in-kind program nor a
cost-equivalent transfer costing \$124 per household moves core child outcomes
within a year, cash transfers create significantly greater consumption than the
in-kind alternative. A larger cash transfer costing \$517 substantially
improves consumption and investment outcomes and drives modest improvements in
dietary diversity and child growth.
