Codes

This variable is not available for any of the currently selected samples.

Description

FSULXPNS indicates the usual weekly amount a household spends on food.

In most years, households are first asked to report their actual expenditures last week in different types of stores before estimating their usual spending on food. In 1998, respondents were asked only about their usual spending.

Information on total expenditures last week is available in FSTOTXPN.

FSULXPNS is only available until 2014. For a variable available 2015+ as well as harmonized backwards in time, see FSULXPNSC.

This variable is part of the Food Security Supplement.

Comparability

Unlike respondents in other years, respondents in 1998 were not asked about actual food expenditures in the previous week. This may impact the comparability of estimates of usual spending in 1998.

In 2008, the documentation states that a "probe was added for respondents that reported zero usual spending for food", and that "This appears to have reduced the number of households reporting zero usual spending for food."

In addition the universe changes over time. Prior to 2001 and in 2008, usual food expenditures are reported by all households. In all other years, only households that reported spending money on food last week are asked to report their usual expenditures. Beginning in 2010, food expenditure questions are restricted to non-group quarter households.

Documented topcodes change over time. Before 2011, there is no topcode. In 2011, the topcode is $450. In 2012, the topcode is $400. In both 2013 and 2014, the documentation gives a topcode of $400, but the data have an apparent topcode of $500.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables