Household economic strategies, food resource allocation, and intrahousehold patterns of dietary intake in rural Mexico

This study examines 1) evidence for unequal intrahousehold food distribution between mothers and preschoolers and 2) the relationships of household economic strategies and resource allocation to diet. In a survey of 178 Mexican households, the following were recorded: 1) income by source and earner; 2) agricultural production and expenses; 3) household food use; and 4) frequency of consumption of 27 foods. Twelve diet recalls per individual were obtained from 47 households. Comparisons of nutrient intake and food consumption between mothers and preschoolers indicated that food distribution favored children. Home food production and store ownership were related to milk and snackfood consumption, respectively. Energy intake was higher among children whose families produced more of their own food. Proportion of the food budget allocated to meat, milk, and fruits/vegetables was linked to protein intake and diet quality among children. Compared to maternal intakes, preschooler diets were more strongly associated with factors affecting the quality of the household food supply.

Key words:

• intrahousehold food distribution
• dietary intake
• subsistence production
• household economic strategies
• resource allocation
• Mexico