In response to Natera et al., “Estimation of daily micronutrient intake of Filipinos”

Since 1997 PROGRESA has provided cash transfers linked to childrens enrollment and regular school attendance and to health clinic attendance. The program also includes in-kind health benefits; nutritional supplements for children up to age five and pregnant and lactating women; and instructional meetings on health and nutrition issues. In 2000 PROGRESA reached about 40 percent of all rural families and about 11 percent of all Mexican families. This paper explores whether PROGRESA improves the diet of poor rural Mexicans--a major objective of the program. As such this evaluation provides insights into whether interventions designed to alleviate poverty also succeed in reducing hunger. (excerpt)