This Sunday, the Grocers Center conducted a study on the nutrition of Argentine families and reached the conclusion that due to inflation there was a reduction or suppression of food intake in the poorest strata.
According to the Department of Statistics and Trends of the Center, for several years the Argentine population has been experiencing changes in consumption. “We first observed a shift to second and third brands (2014/2015), then came the change from protein foods to carbohydrates (2016/2017)”, they explained.
In 2021, the trend pointed to a reduction in meals. “The results show a marked food deficiency and nutritional deterioration of the population segment object of this study; as a consequence of the notable reduction in purchasing power”, they remarked.
And they concluded: “these results should challenge us as a society and should be a reason for deep reflection by government authorities, who should execute urgent and sustainable actions, aimed at guaranteeing food security for the entire population.”
The data
Based on 4,800 household surveys, families were divided into six groups: those who earn up to 60,000, 80,000, 100,000, 120,000, 140,000 and 160,000 pesos.
According to Indec data, a family of four people should consume an average of 168.43 kg in 53 products.
However, for families that earn up to 60 thousand pesos, the Grocers Center concluded that they consume 140.33 kg of products in 21 products. In total, they spend 40,733.80 pesos. That is, 67.89% of your income.
Of the adults in these families, only 18% eat breakfast, 58% have lunch, 26% have an afternoon snack, and 14% have dinner.
In contrast, families that earn up to 160 thousand pesos consume 162.16 kg of products in 54 products. In total, they spend 61,861.11 pesos. That is, 38.66% of your income.
Of the adults in these families, 77% have breakfast, 94% lunch, 64% snack and 73% dinner.