Measures such as these may reduce food shortages in the short run, but they distort the price system and can discourage food production and foster the formation of local cartels, among other problems (Von Braun, 2008). Such initiatives include the Food Mission (Mision Alimentacion) of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, set up in 2003. According to figures from the statistics unit of the Food Markets Mission (MERCAL), in September 2008, food was distributed to over 13 million people at prices representing a 71.7% saving on market prices.3 Nonetheless, the impact of this initiative has not been rigorously evaluated to its identify its effects on poverty and food security, or the progressive nature of the expenditure and repercussions on private food supply. In this area, some countries have provided support to small-scale farmers and have given incentives for the production of food for self-consumption (ECLAC, 2008b).