Final Report for the Consulting Service: Emergency Food Security Program in Peru N° 72DFFP19GR0024

The program consists of three components: Cash Transfer, Hot Meals, and Strengthening the management capabilities of soup kitchens. The baseline study, conducted in 2020, aimed to determine the starting point of the main performance indicators and measure the situation of the beneficiary population before the project's implementation. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data from a sample of 2,500 households across various regions in Peru. The surveys used the Household Hunger Scale (HHS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Reduced Coping Strategy Index (rCSI) to assess food security and coping strategies among households. The results showed that approximately 30% of beneficiaries experienced moderate food insecurity problems, as indicated by the HHS, FCS, and rCSI indicators. The study also found that single-parent women-led households were more likely to experience food insecurity, with higher scores on the HHS and rCSI indicators. The FCS results indicated that households with higher scores had better dietary diversity and frequency of food consumption. The study's findings suggest that the program's interventions should focus on addressing the specific needs of single-parent women-led households and improving access to nutritious food. The baseline study's results will serve as a reference point for evaluating the program's progress and impact. The data collected will inform the development of targeted interventions and strategies to address food insecurity among vulnerable populations in Peru. The study's methodology and findings provide a foundation for future evaluations and assessments of the program's effectiveness in improving food security and reducing poverty. The program's components, including Cash Transfer, Hot Meals, and Strengthening the management capabilities of soup kitchens, are designed to address different aspects of food insecurity. The Cash Transfer component provides unconditional financial support to families and young people, aiming to reduce their vulnerability. The Hot Meals component focuses on increasing the production of soup kitchens to serve Venezuelan immigrants. The Strengthening the management capabilities of soup kitchens component aims to improve the management and coordination of soup kitchens, enhancing their ability to provide food assistance. The study's results highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations in Peru. The program's interventions should focus on improving access to nutritious food, addressing the specific needs of single-parent women-led households, and strengthening the management capabilities of soup kitchens. By addressing these critical areas, the program can make a significant impact in reducing food insecurity and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations in Peru.