Household Food Security: Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families in the Coastal Areas of Cochin

Abstract

The public distribution system (PDS) in Kerala is known for its extensivecoverage. The objective of this study is to assess the household food securitystatus of people living below the poverty line (BPL) and its impact on thehealth of women and children in the selected coastal areas of Kochi inKerala. Household food security was assessed using a food security coremodule questionnaire on 500 BPL families in coastal Kochi. The utilizationof PDS, nutritional status and diet pattern of women and children 3-6years(sub sample 37) were studied. The results showed that PDS was bestutilized by the majority. Poor quality of rice and inadequate quantity ofcommodities such as sugar forced the respondents to buy from the openmarket. Only 43% families were food secure, and the case of the rest ofthem food insecurity levels varied from no hunger to severe hunger.Significant differences in weight and height of children and the levels offood security were found. The study revealed the current food securitystatus and identified the short comings in PDS. It shows the importance ofPDS in ensuring food security and thereby good health for women andchildren.