Estimating the Cost and Ratio of the Optimal Food Basket by Iranians to the Minimum Wage

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Department of Health Economics, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important applications of these optimal food baskets is to estimate the food supply cost. This study aimed to estimate the cost of an optimal food basket for Iranians and the ratio of the cost of an optimal food basket to the minimum wage in 2020 and 2021.  Methods: This cross-sectional study estimates the costs and ratio of the optimal food basket to the minimum wage of workers from the perspective of economically vulnerable groups. The cost approach is based on the research data using forms and checklists prepared by the researcher and referring to the information published by the Statistics Center, the Central Bank and the Ministry of Welfare. Excel software was used to calculate and draw graphs. Results: This study shows that the high cost is for red meat, fruits and dairy products. The lowest cost is for pasta, sugar and potatoes. The per capita cost of an optimal food basket for one day in 2020 and 2021 is 223576 and 306833 Rials, respectively. The ratio of the cost of an optimal food basket of the minimum wage in 2020 and 2021 was 57 and 50 percent, respectively. Conclusion: Paying attention to the adequacy of purchasing power in providing the optimal food basket can be an important basis in determining wages, especially in the lower income deciles and the working class.

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References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 April 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 February 2024
  • Revise Date: 27 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 03 April 2024

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