In January 2007, information about how much Americans spend for health care, groceries, clothing, transportation, housing and other items will be collected by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of households across the country. The Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) program consists of two separate surveys:

• The Interview Survey — About 12,000 households will be interviewed once every three months to obtain data on relatively large expenditures and also for those expenditures that occur on a regular basis (such as rent and utilities).

• The Diary Survey — During the year, another 12,500 households will keep two consecutive one-week diaries of all purchases — including small, frequently purchased items that are normally difficult for respondents to recall later (such as a fast-food purchase at a drive-thru window; a soda or candy bar from a vending machine; or a carton of eggs from the supermarket).

     The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics then publishes integrated data from the two surveys — providing a snapshot of our nation's economy and spending habits. Government economists use the survey results to update a "market basket" of goods and services for the Consumer Price Index, our nation's most widely used measure of inflation.

     "The findings are invaluable to business owners and policymakers in our communities," said George Grandy Jr., director of the Census Bureau's Atlanta Regional Office. "They use the data to evaluate consumer needs and track changes in consumer spending."

     Before the CE interviews begin, households receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon informing them of their selection. Census Bureau field representatives conducting the interviews carry official photo identification. The law ensures survey respondents' personal information and answers are kept confidential. The following data on the amount spent on food purchased primarily at grocery stores and markets are an example of CE results:

Household Expenditures for Food at Home: 2004-2005

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