India’s Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS) aims to provide subsidised food to 800 million people – 67% of India’s population, 10% of the entire world population…
Fair price shops, supported by a heavily computerised distribution system, that optimises the supply chain and supports biometric ID cards for beneficiaries, are at the heart of the system.
The scheme isn’t without its issues, not least concerns about the nutritional balance of food available, but the principles and logistics are impressive. If India can boldly aim to give 800 million people access to food, Birmingham can do something similar for those amongst its 1 million population who need it – can’t we?