1. Poverty Alleviation: One of the main characteristics of National Food for Work is poverty alleviation. This program aims to provide food and employment opportunities to the rural poor, who often face food insecurity and lack of livelihood options. By engaging them in productive work, it helps to improve their economic condition and reduce poverty.

2. Infrastructure Development: Another characteristic of National Food for Work is the focus on infrastructure development in rural areas. Under this program, the rural poor are employed in activities such as road construction, water harvesting, land development, and afforestation. These projects not only provide employment but also contribute to the overall development of the rural infrastructure.

3. Food Security: National Food for Work also addresses the issue of food security. The program provides food grains as wages to the workers, ensuring that they have access to adequate food. This helps to improve their nutritional status and overall well-being. Additionally, it also helps to stabilize food prices in the local markets by increasing the supply of food grains.

4. Community Participation: The program emphasizes community participation in decision-making and implementation. Local communities are actively involved in the identification and prioritization of projects, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the work. This ensures that the projects meet the specific needs and aspirations of the community and encourages their active participation and ownership.

5. Gender Inclusivity: National Food for Work promotes gender inclusivity by ensuring the participation of both men and women in the work activities. Women are encouraged to take part in project planning and decision-making processes, which helps to empower them and challenge traditional gender roles. This not only benefits the women themselves but also contributes to the overall development of the community.

By addressing poverty, promoting infrastructure development, ensuring food security, encouraging community participation, and promoting gender inclusivity, National Food for Work aims to uplift the rural poor and contribute to their overall development. This program plays a crucial role in reducing poverty, improving living conditions, and building sustainable and inclusive communities.