Coupon System has been introduced as an alternative modality for administering food rationing for Destitute Persons, Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Community Home Based Care Patients. The system uses a network which comprises point of sale (POS) devices in conjunction with a smart card to load “food value” to the smart card and then to spend directly off the card at participating retailers. It uses fingerprint verification (called biometrics) to authorize each and every transaction. It gives the beneficiaries choice of when, where and what food they purchase with their food grant allowance. Implementation of the programme started on 1st April 2009 as Phase 1 of the project. The programme started in the following areas as Phase I of the programme: Jwaneng, Lobatse, South East, Gaborone, Kweneng East, Kgatleng, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serowe, Selebi-Phikwe, Sowa Township & Francistown. Phase II of the programme will start in October 2009 and will cover the entire country. For more information on the programme please contact the Social and Community Department at any Local Authority (District Council)