Analysis of commodity appropriateness for PL-480 Title II rations in Peru

This report analyzes the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of the commodity mix. A discussion of the nutritional cost-effectiveness of commodities notes that supplementary commodities, as in onsite feeding programs, ought to have a high nutritional content, whereas those which replace diet items, as in take-home programs, ought to have a high monetary value for recipients; the latter, however, should not be provided in amounts more than usually purchased. The report then describes three groups of commodities currently used in the Peru Title II program - cereals, oil, and non-fat dry milk - and their use by recipients and analyzes their nutritional cost-effectiveness. Commodity mix options are then presented for take-home distribution (Food for Work and Maternal Child Health programs) and for onsite feeding. It is concluded that all programs could be significantly improved by selecting more cost-effective commodities and that voluntary organizations could significantly reduce administrative costs by using only two or three types of commodities. Twelve specific recommendations are made.