Define Distribution of Food Products - Public Nutrition?
We learnt earlier that we have buffer stocks of food grains in our country. These stocks do help to combat acute transient food scarcity, caused by natural disasters like floods and droughts. Early warning systems are in place and food can be rushed to areas of threatened distress fairly rapidly. What is proving more difficult is the task of combating chronic mild/moderate under-nutrition in a large number of poor households. Inequitable distribution of available food among different segments of the population and even within the family is one of the major factors responsible for under-nutrition over-nutrition.
Good governance and health and nutrition education hold the key to improving equitable distribution of food based on need. However, it is not just distribution but the proper storage of food which is also important. This will influence the food availability and food consumption pattern of people.