Author(s): Deepika Pal and Dr. Shavika Gupta

Abstract:

The availability of the adequate food does not imply that food is evenly distributed among all the family members. This study was conducted to assess the food expenditure pattern and utilization of various government schemes related to food security like Integrated Child Development Scheme, Mid-Day Meal and Public Distribution System among Below Poverty Line (BPL) families living in a slum of Delhi. The data was collected on food expenditure pattern and utilization of various schemes from 40 BPL families living in a slum of Seemapuri using standardized procedures. The data revealed that food expenditure pattern survey aims at generating estimates of average household monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) and its distribution among the households. The families were spending 41.5% of their total expenditure on the food items. The monthly per capita expenditure on milk, meat, pulses and vegetables was higher than cereal and sugar. The families were availing services of ICDS, MDM and purchasing subsidized food grains from fair price shop. Majority of the school going children (70%) were receiving Mid-day meal at school.