Consumption Pattern of Different Food Items in Rural Families of Haryana

Description

Page: 444-450

Monika Sarsana and Vinod Kumari (Department of Sociology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana)

Women employment improves household income which leads to increase in resources available for food expenditure. Employed women can play a very detrimental role in defining the nutritional status of a family and everyone benefits from the growth and stability that empowered women add to the economy. A survey was carried out to assess the dietary status of rural employed women of the Hisar and Panchkula districts of Haryana. The data pertaining to consumption patterns regarding different food items of employed women and socioeconomic variables affecting consumption patterns was collected through an interview schedule. Results from the study revealed that there was quite a lower intake of vegetables 145.18 gm/day, fruits 39.81gm/day, pulses 24.16 gm/day and cereals consumption was relatively higher and milk products consumption was 273.89 gm/day which was not as per Suggested Dietary intake (SDI) but quite satisfactory. Consumption of sugar and jaggary was more regardless of any socioeconomic status. Whereas consumption of fruits, and vegetables found to be affected by income and educational levels. While the intake of fats and oils was found more than the SDI. Thus, to improve the health status of the respondents and family members by right feeding practices needed to be taught through nutritional counseling, seminars and campaigns.