The Effect Of Food Price Hiking To Low Income Family's Nutritional Status

Rising food prices across the globe often leave low-income families in dire financial and nutritional straits. At least 33 countries erupted in social and political conflict and unrest in 2008 due to the high price of energy and food, according to the World Bank. The high price of food can make a country deteriorate, and it can do the same for a low-income family's health.

Quality and Portion Size

When food prices rise, the first thing many low-income families do is cut out extraneous foods that are not regular dietary staples. Inexpensive staples become the bulk of their food intake, making their diet monotonous, lacking a variety of choices and nutrients. The nutritional value of their staples largely depends on its price. The biggest concern for low-income families during a food price hike is often having enough food to feed everybody, which forces them to turn to lower-priced food options. Quality is generally not as big an issue as quantity. Foods that offer the biggest portions for the lowest prices will win out, regardless of their overall nutritional values.

Health Issues

A monotonous diet of poor-quality foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and disorders, according to the report "Health and Nutrition Economics." The report says the two main concerns are over-nutrition, usually with an overly abundant intake of energy foods packed with sugars and carbohydrates, and under-nutrition, usually with a lack of foods that contain biologically active components, such as plant matter from fresh fruits and vegetables. Budgetary restraints often extend beyond the health issues at the kitchen table, with less money available for supplemental vitamins, doctor visits, health care or insurance, further compounding the health risks of the household.

Most Affected

Family members most affected by high food prices and low nutritional values are women, children and the elderly who often have special dietary needs. Pregnant women, especially, are at risk of not consuming the proper micronutrients needed for the development of a new baby, according to the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition. Underweight newborns lacking sufficient nutrition can develop poorly and continue to lack sufficient nutrition throughout their lives until they, too, give birth to their underweight children and continue the cycle.

Considerations

When malnutrition and health issues from an unbalanced diet reach the point of needing medical care, the care is not always affordable. If a trip to the doctor is a must, the cost can take money away from the family's food budget. Lower-income families also spend a greater portion of their income on food than those with higher incomes, according to "Health and Nutrition Economics," which means money is even tighter for other expenditures. A second or third job is often required to meet the family's growing food costs, if they can be found. Adding high unemployment rates to the mix can result in more family members requiring the financial support of the family members who are working, putting additional strain on the finances and food budget.