scholarly journals Food Stress in Adelaide: The Relationship between Low Income and the Affordability of Healthy Food

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Ward ◽  
Fiona Verity ◽  
Patricia Carter ◽  
George Tsourtos ◽  
John Coveney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Food Stress ◽  
Low Incomes ◽  
Food Basket ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship

Healthy food is becoming increasingly expensive, and families on low incomes face a difficult financial struggle to afford healthy food. When food costs are considered, families on low incomes often face circumstances of poverty. Housing, utilities, health care, and transport are somewhat fixed in cost; however food is more flexible in cost and therefore is often compromised with less healthy, cheaper food, presenting an opportunity for families on low incomes to cut costs. Using a “Healthy Food Basket” methodology, this study costed a week’s supply of healthy food for a range of family types. It found that low-income families would have to spend approximately 30% of household income on eating healthily, whereas high-income households needed to spend about 10%. The differential is explained by the cost of the food basket relative to household income (i.e., affordability). It is argued that families that spend more than 30% of household income on food could be experiencing “food stress.” Moreover the high cost of healthy foods leaves low-income households vulnerable to diet-related health problems because they often have to rely on cheaper foods which are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

scholarly journals Affordability of Heathy, Equitable and More Sustainable Diets in Low-Income Households in Brisbane before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4386
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Lee ◽  
Dori Patay ◽  
Lisa-Maree Herron ◽  
Ru Chyi Tan ◽  
Evelyn Nicoll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimum Wage ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Sustainable Diets ◽  
Cost Differential ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low Income Households

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased food insecurity worldwide, yet there has been limited assessment of shifts in the cost and affordability of healthy, equitable and sustainable diets. This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and income supplements provided by the Australian government on diet cost and affordability for low-income households in an Australian urban area. The Healthy Diets ASAP method protocol was applied to assess the cost and cost differential of current and recommended diets before (in 2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (late 2020) for households with a minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, by area of socioeconomic disadvantage, in Greater Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected between August and October, 2020, from 78 food outlets and compared with data collected in the same locations between May and October, 2019, in an earlier study. The price of most healthy food groups increased significantly during the pandemic—with the exception of vegetables and legumes, which decreased. Conversely, the price of discretionary foods and drinks did not increase during the pandemic. The cost of the current and recommended diets significantly increased throughout this period, but the latter continued to be less expensive than the former. Due to income supplements provided between May and September 2020, the affordability of the recommended diet improved greatly, by 27% and 42%, for households with minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, respectively. This improvement in the affordability of the recommended diet highlights the need to permanently increase welfare support for low-income families to ensure food security.

scholarly journals Offsetting the cost of community-supported agriculture (CSA) for low-income families: perceptions and experiences of CSA farmers and members

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts ◽  
Leah Connor Volpe ◽  
Marilyn Sitaker ◽  
Emily H. Belarmino ◽  
Amari Sealey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Community Supported Agriculture ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Major Theme ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Cost Offset ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Improve Access

Abstract Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is an alternative food marketing model in which community members subscribe to receive regular shares of a farm's harvest. Although CSA has the potential to improve access to fresh produce, certain features of CSA membership may prohibit low-income families from participating. A ‘cost-offset’ CSA (CO-CSA) model provides low-income families with purchasing support with the goal of making CSA more affordable. As a first step toward understanding the potential of CO-CSA to improve access to healthy foods among low-income households, we interviewed 24 CSA farmers and 20 full-pay CSA members about their experiences and perceptions of the cost-offset model and specific mechanisms for offsetting the cost of CSA. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded using a thematic approach. Ensuring that healthy food was accessible to everyone, regardless of income level, was a major theme expressed by both farmers and members. In general, CSA farmers and CSA members favored member donations over other mechanisms for funding the CO-CSA. The potential time burden that could affect CSA farmers when administering a cost-offset was a commonly-mentioned barrier. Future research should investigate various CO-CSA operational models in order to determine which models are most economically viable and sustainable.

The purchase of the Diabetic Healthy Food Basket in Cyprus results in cost savings: is it affordable among the low-income population?

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (18) ◽  
pp. 3409-3416
Author(s):  
Stavri Chrysostomou ◽  
Christos Koutsampelas ◽  
Sofia N. Andreou ◽  
Charalampos Pittas
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Diabetic Woman ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Minimum Income ◽  
Food Basket ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
The Cost

AbstractObjective:The main objective was to assess the cost, acceptability and affordability of the Cypriot Diabetic Healthy Food Basket (DHFB).Design:The development of DHFB was based on the Cypriot HFB with adjustments based on the nutritional guidelines for diabetes as developed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and information retrieved through the questionnaires. Two DHFB were constructed for adult women and adult men (±40 years) diagnosed with diabetes. Affordability was defined as the cost of DHFB as a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI).Setting:Cyprus.Participants:422 diabetic patients aged 18–87 years from different socioeconomic backgrounds.Results:DHFB consists of eight food categories, similar to Cypriot HFB, but different specific food items. The total monthly budget for a diabetic woman is about 15 % (25·68 Euros less) lower compared with HFB, and the relative percentage for a diabetic man is about 16 % (37·58 Euros less). The total monthly budget for a diabetic woman is about 30 % lower (60·32 Euros less) compared with that of a diabetic man. For low-income adults receiving GMI, the proportion of income that would need to be spent on DHFB ranges from around 30 to 42 % for women and men, respectively.Conclusions:The cost of DHFB is lower compared with HFB, meaning that nutritional treatment based on the practice guidelines for diabetes could be a cost-efficient therapy for these patients. DHFB is still not affordable among low-income persons.

The development of the gluten free healthy food basket in Cyprus. Is it affordable among low-income adults diagnosed with celiac disease?

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-276
Author(s):  
S Chrysostomou ◽  
S N Andreou ◽  
Ch Andreou
Keyword(s):  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Minimum Income ◽  
Food Stress ◽  
Total Food ◽  
Food Basket ◽  
Guaranteed Minimum Income

Abstract Background Gluten free (GF) diets are not only restrictive but also costly. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, cost and affordability of a Gluten Free Healthy Food Basket (GFHFB) and further examine whether low-income Cypriots diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) experience food stress. Methods GFΗFBs were constructed for adult women and adult men (±40 years) diagnosed with CD. Feasibility and acceptability was tested through three focus groups. Affordability was defined as the cost of the GFΗFB as a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI). Results The GFΗFB was 33.6 and 47 euros/month more expensive compared to the HB (Healthy Basket) for women and men, respectively. The total budget for GF-manufactured products were 27.81 and 28.5% of the total food budget, for women and men, respectively. For low-income people receiving the GMI, the proportion of income that would need to be spent on the GFHFB ranges from around 42 to 60%. Conclusions The GFΗFB is costly and not affordable among low-income Cypriots diagnosed with CD; thus, they are likely to suffer from food stress. As such, the risk of reducing their adherence to a GF diet is high and thus compromises their long-term health.

Housing and Transportation: The Relationship between Residential Location, Local Retail Economies, and Commutes of Low-Income Families in Mexico City

2020 ◽  
pp. 0739456X2093298
Author(s):  
Ariadna Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Mexico City ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Urban Core ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Level Information ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Relationship

This paper provides a new perspective on the trade-offs between housing location and transportation in Mexico City. Fieldwork provides detailed, community-level information on residents’ commutes across two neighborhoods that differ in their proximity to the urban core, and the consolidation of local retail economies. After controlling for household income, a residence in the peripheral housing development of Los Alamos increases commute times by 114 to 139 percent when compared with the informal community of Isidro Fabela in Mexico City. Informal workers spend 42 percent less time commuting than formal workers because they work in businesses within their local retail economy.

Demonstrating Nutrient Cost Gradients: A Brooklyn Case Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Karp ◽  
Gary Wong ◽  
Marguerite Orsi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Caloric Density ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Introduction: Foods dense in micronutrients are generally more expensive than those with higher energy content. These cost-differentials may put low-income families at risk of diminished micronutrient intake. Objectives: We sought to determine differences in the cost for iron, folate, and choline in foods available for purchase in a low-income community when assessed for energy content and serving size. Methods: Sixty-nine foods listed in the menu plans provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for low-income families were considered, in 10 domains. The cost and micronutrient content for-energy and per-serving of these foods were determined for the three micronutrients. Exact Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of energy costs; Spearman rho tests for comparisons of micronutrient content. Ninety families were interviewed in a pediatric clinic to assess the impact of food cost on food selection. Results: Significant differences between domains were shown for energy density with both cost-for-energy (p < 0.001) and cost-per-serving (p < 0.05) comparisons. All three micronutrient contents were significantly correlated with cost-for-energy (p < 0.01). Both iron and choline contents were significantly correlated with cost-per-serving (p < 0.05). Of the 90 families, 38 (42 %) worried about food costs; 40 (44 %) had chosen foods of high caloric density in response to that fear, and 29 of 40 families experiencing both worry and making such food selection. Conclusion: Adjustments to USDA meal plans using cost-for-energy analysis showed differentials for both energy and micronutrients. These differentials were reduced using cost-per-serving analysis, but were not eliminated. A substantial proportion of low-income families are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.

Wired and Hired: Employment Effects of Subsidized Broadband Internet for Low-Income Americans

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-482
Author(s):  
George W. Zuo
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Labor Market Outcomes ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Broadband Internet ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Employment Effects ◽  
Local Program ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Employment Rates ◽  
The Relationship

I present evidence on the relationship between broadband pricing and labor market outcomes for low-income individuals. Specifically, I estimate the effects of a Comcast service providing discounted broadband to qualifying low-income families. I use a triple differences strategy exploiting geographic variation in Comcast coverage, individual variation in eligibility, and temporal variation pre- and postlaunch. Local program availability increased employment rates and earnings of eligible individuals, driven by greater labor force participation and decreased probability of unemployment. Internet use increased substantially where the program was available. (JEL I32, J22, J31, L82, L86)

scholarly journals Psychological Difficulties Mediate and Self-Efficacy Moderates the Relationship Between Family Cumulative Risk and Hope Among Chinese Children From Low-Income Families

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiayun Yin ◽  
Dongfang Wang ◽  
Zhihua Li ◽  
Yuesheng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Cumulative Risk ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Ocean Effect ◽  
Psychological Difficulties ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Relationship

This longitudinal study investigated the role of psychological difficulties and self-efficacy in the relationship between family cumulative risk and hope among children from low-income families. The participants were 392 Chinese children from low-income families; the study extended for 2 years, and participants completed data that were collected with the following questionnaires: the Family Cumulative Risk Index, Children's Hope Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Difficulties subscale, and General Self-efficacy Scale. The results demonstrated that psychological difficulties played a mediating role in the relationship between family cumulative risk and hope; specifically, family cumulative risk predicted hope of children via psychological difficulties. Self-efficacy moderated the relationship between psychological difficulties and hope. This moderation supported “a drop in the ocean effect”; the protective effect of high self-efficacy worked only when psychological difficulties were at low levels. When psychological difficulties were at high levels, the buffering effect of self-efficacy on family cumulative risk was gradually weakened and eventually lost.

scholarly journals Forecasting of Households Consumption Expenditure with Nonparametric Regression: The Case of Turkey

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Noyan Aydin ◽  
Taner Akmercan
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Household Size ◽  
High Income ◽  
Consumption Expenditure ◽  
Income Levels ◽  
Parametric Regression ◽  
Household Disposable Income ◽  
R Programming ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The relationship between household income and expenditure is important for understanding how the shape of the economic dynamics of the households. In this study, the relationship between household consumption expenditure and household disposable income were analyzed by Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing Regression which is a nonparametric method using R programming. This study aimed to determine relationship between variables directly, unlike making any assumptions are commonly used as in the conventional parametric regression. According to the findings, effect on expenditure with increasing of income and household size together increased rapidly at first, and then speed of increase decreased. This increase can be explained by having greater compulsory consumption expenditure relatively in small households. Besides, expenditure is relatively higher in middle and high income levels according to low income level. However, the change in expenditure is limited in middle and is the most limited in high income levels when household size changes.

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