The Government launched a new social safety net scheme in mid-September, titled “Food-Friendly Programme for the Ultra-Poor”, targeting some 5 million poor families across the country. The scheme aims to provide poor families, selected through the local public representatives, the opportunity to buy up to 30 kg of rice per month in September, October, November and in March and April during the lean season at a price of BDT 10 (USD 0.12) per kg. The new programme adds to several other safety net programs already in place including the Open Market Sales (OMS), which distribute the largest amount of food. The OMS are currently held only in major metropolitan areas with rice sold at BDT 15 (USD 0.19) per kg.