The National Food Security Act of 2013, also referred to as NFSA, 2013, is a statue or an act passed by the Parliament of India, with an intention to provide subsidised food grains and cereals to almost two-thirds population of India.  

The Act helps fulfil the enactment of the fundamental right to life which has been enshrined under article 21 of the Constitution by providing food at the most minimal cost to those who cannot afford to buy them at the normal price. 

The Act tends to legalise the existing food security programs, which have been laid down by the Government of India. These food security programs include the Midday Meal scheme, the Integrated Child Development Services scheme etc,. The Act also considers the Public Food Distribution system under its purview. 

Under the Public Food Distribution system, the food grains and cereals have been divided into certain categories, and the price at which they are sold are extremely minimal, with the quantity of food ranging upto 5-6 kgs/per person. Also, cereals are provided for free to certain categories of children, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers. 

In India, majority of the population falls under the rural areas and belong to the lower class. The people belonging to such lower class communities, are generally employed in daily wage work, and with the wage rate being extremely low they are not able to purchase the food grains or cereals that they require at the prevailing prices. Moreover, due to lack of food, families with newly born children or pregnant women undergo severe malnourishment, effecting the growth and development of the kids and the mother.

The Act, therefore makes sure that the prices at which the food grains are being sold are subsidised to such an extent that it does not cause any strain on their incomes and the quantity provided is enough for every person of the family so that no member of the family is left behind. 

Apart from providing food security and subsidised prices of food grains and cereals, the Act provides nutritional support to the children and mothers by identifying the targeted households and analysing their nutritional needs; moreover, maternity benefit is also provided to women, who are pregnant or lactating. The Act tends to play a big role in women empowerment by allowing any woman who is or above the age of 18 years, to get access to or issue ration cards on behalf of the family. 

The Act also ensures that proper grievance redressal systems are implemented in districts or states, with the required mechanisms, so that solutions can be given in an effective and efficient manner, in case any disputes or issues rise.