El subsidio a la tortilla en México: un programa nutricional o económico? / The tortilla subsidy in Mexico: a nutritional or economic program?

RESUMO

To evaluate the impact of the tortilla subsidy on the family food consumption, on its economy and on the nutritional condition of women and under five children, from three marginal zones, with the purpose of focus nutritional interventions. Fifty families were randomly selected in each one of three similar low income sectors of the Oaxaca city. One received subsidy, other has never received it and the third received it five years ago but not at present. Anthropometry was performed in all women of reproductive age and children under five years old. In the first BMI was the indicator used and in children weight for age with two standard deviations was the cut-off point. The tortilla represents between 13.6 per cent to 20 per cent of the family expenditure. Anyhow the energy, protein and some nutrient consumption was higher. The malnutrition index was better in the subsidy community as 12.0 per cent of under five children were low weight for age against 19.2 per cent in the other two communities. The tortilla family expenditure represents 45 per cent of their income and the subsidy reduces it 9 per cent, surely this help a better nutrient consumption and improves the nutritional condition of the poor and marginated urban sectors of the society.