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     Beginning in April, U.S. Census Bureau field representatives will collect information about how much Americans spend for groceries, clothing, transportation, housing, health care and other items from a sample of households across the country.

     The Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) program consists of two separate surveys:

• The Interview Survey — About 15,000 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-through 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.

     “Data from the CE enable policymakers to evaluate consumer needs, make informed decisions about the impact of policies on families and track changes in consumer spending,” said George Grandy Jr., director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office.

     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 transportation are an example of CE results:

Household Expenditures for Transportation: 2004-2005