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

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 ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۱.  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 ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۱ is ۲۲۳۵۷۶ and ۳۰۶۸۳۳ Rials, respectively. The ratio of the cost of an optimal food basket of the minimum wage in ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۱ was ۵۷ and ۵۰ 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.

کلیدواژه ها:

Optimal food basket ، Cost per capita ، Food security ، Minimum wage ، Iran