Food Costs Research Articles

Perilaku Mental Accounting dalam Mengelola Daily Expenses dari Sisi Gaya Hidup Sehari-Hari Mahasiswa Indekos

Indekos students are an important segment of the academic community who need to support themselves financially. They usually live away from their parents' home and have to organise their own daily lives, including personal financial management. They often face various challenges in managing their finances to meet various needs such as boarding house rent, tuition fees, book fees, transportation costs, as well as non-academic expenses such as food and recreation costs. In this context, mental accounting behaviour is an interesting aspect to study because it can play an important role in the way boarding students manage their daily expenses. This study aims to find out how mental accounting behaviour plays a role in managing daily expenses and what are the factors that influence mental accounting in boarding students. Qualitative research with a phenomenological approach was chosen in this study to explore the phenomenon as a whole. After the research was conducted, it was found that mental accounting has a role in helping students manage their daily expenses. This can be seen from their behaviour of allocating money according to certain account categories such as boarding house rent, daily meals, skincare, transportation, academics and others.

Urban Agriculture and Food Security: A Narrative Review

Background Today, the world is facing the problems of population growth, urbanization, increasing need for food, depletion of water resources, and environmental degradation. Therefore, the present study investigates the impact of urban agriculture on food security. Methods: Search engines including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Google scholar, Magiran, and scientific information database (SID) were applied with keywords such as population growth, food security, sustainable development, urban agriculture, food system to find related articles published up to 2022. Results: The impact of urban agriculture on food security can be seen through several factors such as nutritional stability, food availability, affordable food supply, and revenue generation through sales. Conclusion: Urban agriculture refers to production of food products in urban environment, where food is produced on rooftops, backyards, gardens, or in public open spaces. This work proposes new opportunities for sustainable development and urban management to make significant changes in living environment, health and land management. Furthermore, this research provides the poor in the city a chance to achieve food security by reducing household food costs.

Identifying the factors affecting the implementation of food waste reduction strategies in independent restaurants: Moving towards eco-efficiency

One of the very promising ways to improve a restaurant's eco-efficiency consists of implementing food waste reduction strategies (FWRSs) to reduce the costs and environmental impacts associated with food waste (FW). However, several factors can hamper the implementation of FWRSs, limiting a restaurant's ability to become more sustainable. Hence, the aim of this study is to identify the factors that facilitate or limit the implementation of FWRSs in independent restaurants. This will enable restaurateurs to choose the most appropriate FWRSs to implement, not only in terms of the potential economic and environmental benefits that can be achieved but also in terms of implementation feasibility, to ensure their sustainability. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with owners, managers and chefs of independent restaurants in Quebec, Canada. They were questioned on several topics related to their perception of FW, eco-efficiency and FWRSs as well as their experiences in implementing FWRSs. The results allowed the identification of 12 factors affecting the implementation of FWRSs, which were analyzed and categorized according to social practice theory. These factors include consumer perception, management, planning and organizational skills as well as labor and food costs. Then, the factors were linked to the characteristics of the restaurants studied to identify the most promising ways to operationalize the reduction of FW according to the restaurant type. To this end, two approaches were raised: a preventive approach aimed at reducing FW at source, by adopting a limited fixed-time menu for example, and a corrective approach aimed at reusing FW to give it a second life.

Application of marketing to reduce consumer food waste in restaurants

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the application and effectiveness of a marketing programme co-designed by supply- and demand-side stakeholders to reduce consumer food waste in restaurants. Design/methodology/approach This stakeholder-based marketing pilot study adopted the co-create, build and engage framework for programme design and implementation. Major stakeholders, interacting at the point-of-sale, participated in a series of focus groups, interviews and co-design. The research process informed the marketing mix, which aimed to provide value for all parties. The four-week pilot programme was delivered in a non-buffet-style commercial restaurant chain for 10 months. The amount of consumer food leftovers was measured and compared with pre-programme baseline data to evaluate programme effectiveness. Findings The results show that the marketing mix co-designed by restaurant stakeholders and consumers effectively reduced food waste by almost half in the pilot period. The profitability of the pilot restaurant increased as food costs decreased. Research limitations/implications This research demonstrates how working with stakeholders from both the supply and demand sides can identify motivations and barriers. Insights gained in the research phase can inform the delivery of a marketing mix that reduces consumer food waste. This study demonstrates the marketing research, design, implementation and evaluation process for a marketing programme that reduced consumer food waste. Practical implications To effectively reduce consumer food waste, practitioners should not only focus on changing consumers’ behaviour. Co-designing solutions with food service stakeholders to address business and operation challenges is crucial to the attainment of a positive impact at the point-of-sale. Originality/value This research shows how marketing changes behaviour in individuals and business entities, contributing to positive environmental impact through waste reduction in the commercial food service sector.

People living with HIV’s perspectives of acceptability of fee for home delivery of ART: a qualitative study

IntroductionSignificant progress has been made in the HIV response in South Africa; however, gaps remain in ensuring engagement in care to support life-long medication adherence and viral suppression. The National Department of Health (NDoH) has introduced community-based and clinic-based HIV differentiated service delivery (DSD) models to tackle suboptimal adherence and retention in care. Nevertheless, differentiated care models require adaptation to better serve clients who struggle with adherence. There is limited research on the acceptability of fee for home delivery of ART in resource-constrained settings. The current study investigates the acceptability of fee for home delivery of ART among people living with HIV in South Africa.MethodsTwo mixed-gender focus group discussions (FGDs) took place between June and November 2019, consisting of 10 participants in each group. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to identify and select 10 people living with HIV who were ART-eligible but not in care, and 10 people living with HIV who were currently taking ART and in care. Participants were grouped according to their treatment status. A coding framework, informed by a priori categories and derived from topics in the interview guide, was developed and utilized to facilitate analysis.ResultsParticipants expressed enthusiasm for having ART home-delivered, as it would save the time spent waiting in long queues at the clinic. However, some participants raised concerns about potential payment difficulties due to high unemployment rates in the community. Some participants believed this would be acceptable, as patients already incur costs for travel and food when visiting the clinic. Participants in both FGDs expressed strong concerns about home delivery of their ART based on fear of accidental disclosure, especially for those who have not disclosed to their immediate families and partners.ConclusionOur study suggests that charging a fee for home delivery is an acceptable and innovative approach to supporting PLHIV in maintaining adherence to their medication and remaining in care.

Exploring the Impact of Food Videos on Personal Dietary Behavior

This paper aims to explore the impact of food videos on personal dietary behavior, using the food section of Bilibil, a Chinese video website, as an example for research. By collecting 265 survey questionnaires and analyzing video data from the top 42 bloggers in the food section of Bilibili, this study examined the impact of food videos on audience dietary habits, comparison of the attractiveness of healthy food, food costs, health, personal characteristics of bloggers, number of video creators, and whether food has regional characteristics on audience dietary choices. Research has found that the food video area has become more positive after national rectification, bringing more positive impacts to the audience's dietary habits. In addition, the appeal of healthy eating in food videos is relatively low, while nonhealthy foods such as high-calorie, high-carbon water is more attractive. The food cost, nutritional status, personal characteristics of the blogger, number of video creators, and whether the food has regional characteristics all impact the audience's dietary choices in the video. The purpose of this study is to reveal the phenomenon of excessive promotion of unhealthy food by food bloggers and the development trend of Chinese food videos, indicating the impact of food videos on individual dietary behavior, which has significant theoretical and reference value for promoting public awareness and behavior of healthy eating.

Identifying Optimally Sustainable Foods: A Four-Dimensional Analysis of Sustainable Foods in the American Diet

A holistic understanding of food sustainability is vital for making socially and environmentally conscious food choices. Sustainable diets have been defined by four dimensions: health, economics, environment, and society. The purpose of this study was to determine how metrics for nutritional quality, monetary cost, environmental impact, and social and cultural acceptability of foods and beverages vary across and within food groups and to identify which foods and beverages are optimally sustainable according to these metrics. Data from the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) was linked with frequency of consumption, nutrient density, environmental impact, and cost data from publicly available databases. A sustainability index, based on the four dimensions, was developed to quantify overall sustainability. Nutrient density was correlated negatively with environmental impact and frequency of consumption but positively with cost (p < 0.001). Out of 5964 items, 165 were identified as optimally sustainable. Sustainability index scores varied within each food group. Less than 1% of optimally sustainable items were Dairy products, while 62% were Protein Foods—of which 92% were Plant Proteins. Few foods and beverages met the criteria to be considered optimally sustainable. However, Plant Protein foods may generally strike the best balance among these four indicators of sustainability. A holistic understanding of food sustainability is necessary to facilitate nutritious and environmentally conscious dietary choices that adhere to other needs, personal values, and preferences.

Understanding People’s Safety Perceptions During a Recent Evacuation: The Case of Hurricane Ian (2022)

This study examines how individuals affected by Hurricane Ian (2022) perceived safety-related issues during the evacuation based on a Pollfish survey (n=100) in Lee County, Florida. 62% of survey respondents evacuated, with the majority going to a friend or relative’s home, and personal vehicles were the primary mode of transportation. Greatest concerns during evacuation included the cost of food and amenities, traffic congestion, and standing water. Upon returning home, primary concerns were disaster debris, fuel availability, and the availability of food and amenities. A binary logistic regression was employed to explore socio-economic factors’ impact on evacuation decisions, revealing significant factors.

Precision nutrition for type 2 diabetes in Benin: leveraging linear goal programming to optimize diets with emphasis on adequacy, affordability, accessibility, and culture.

Nutrition and diet are critical to managing Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Low-income households often face challenges maintaining a healthy and balanced diet due to food insecurity, availability, and cost. To address this issue, we used a linear goal programming (LGP) model to develop nutritionally adequate, affordable, accessible, and culturally acceptable diets for persons with T2D in Benin, a French-speaking sub-Saharan country. The goal was to help persons with T2D manage their condition more effectively. We compiled a robust list of local commonly consumed foods in Benin, and calculated their nutritional value using West African food composition tables and food costs per serving from a market survey. Using mathematical optimization techniques, we designed dietary plans that meet the daily nutrient intake recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent chronic diseases in normal adults. While adhering to dietary constraints of T2D, we developed optimized diet plans with varying energy levels that meet all nutrient requirements while considering availability, acceptability, and budgetary constraints. Fifty-two food items and recipes were evaluated to create six low-cost daily menus. Menu 1 was the most affordable at CFA 1,127 (USD 1.88), providing 1890 kcal of energy, while Menu 6 was the most expensive at CFA 1,227 (USD 2.05), providing 1749 kcal. All the menus met the daily WHO minimum requirements for carbohydrates, fat, cholesterol, and fiber content, while other nutrients such as protein, vitamin C, and iron reached the upper limits of the acceptable value range. Linear goal programming can be an effective tool in helping to obtain optimized adequate, accessible, and culturally acceptable diets at minimal cost by interpreting and translating dietary recommendations into a nutritional model, based on local market prices.

Social Determinants Influencing the Non-Adoption of Norms Favorable to the Prevention and Control of Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Research.

Diet, physical activity, and body shape play an essential role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and are the social dimensions most targeted by health professionals in their practices or intervention aimed at preventing and controlling T2D. However, several interventions focus more on individual factors and less on social determinants likely to influence the adoption of dietary, body, and physical activity standards favorable to the prevention and control of T2D. This study aims to explore the social determinants influencing the rejection or adoption of dietary, bodily, and physical activity norms favorable to the prevention and control of T2D among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. A qualitative exploratory design guided data collection and analysis. Semi-structured qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 in Montreal and Quebec Cities. The cost of food, the difficulty of accessing certain foods, a reliable level of income, work schedules, the gazes of relatives or communities, migration policies, disappointment and stressful situations linked to migratory status, racial microaggressions, and the lack of food guides adapted to the realities of MASS were the main determinants identified by the participants. These determinants can influence the adoption of public health recommendations on diet for the prevention and control of T2D. People living with T2D obviously have an important role to play, but much of the work lies outside their control. Therefore, Preventive, clinical, or awareness-raising interventions should more consider the life and structural contexts in which these people navigate without ignoring their pre-migratory rules of dietary, body, and physical activity norms.

Economic assessment of hemodialysis patients in tertiary and charitable hospitals: A prospective multicenter study in India

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is becoming more common in India, and the treatment options for ESRD are, e.g., hemodialysis (HD) or kidney transplantation. In the current situation, many individuals can only afford HD. More research is needed to estimate the exact cost of HD because it varies across the country. The study aims to investigate the cost of HD in a tertiary and charitable hospital in South India. A multicentric prospective observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals. The study included patients who are on HD regularly at these hospitals. Patients’ data and cost information were collected for 1 year. Overall cost evaluation of HD patients was done. Cost categories were calculated based on their cost of HD per session, monthly expense, and cost per annum. This includes HD cost per session, ward cost, consultation physician cost, overall medication cost, laboratory cost, the cost for blood transfusion, transportation cost, accompanying person’s cost, and food costs. More studies on costs and outcomes are required to examine the benefits and drawbacks of renal replacement treatment and improve the quality of life of ESRD patients. As the treatment costs are higher, the government can develop schemes that provide insurance or compensation to needy people.

The Economic Feasibility for Operating the Algerian Combine Harvester PMA at Nineveh Area Conditions

The study was conducted in Nineveh Governorate by conducting a comparison of agricultural crops (wheat, barley, lentils) for the seasons (2014 – 2015 – 2016) to determine the economic feasibility of operating the Algerian combine harvester (PMA) and its impact on some of the factors and characteristics studied. (A. Maintenance before operation B. Maintenance during operation C. Oils, greases and fuel, D. Transportation costs E. Food costs F. Costs of technicians and administrators G. revenues from the three crops) The data was analyzed according to the design (R.C.B.D.) and the results were as follows: A. The year 2016 recorded the lowest pre-operation maintenance cost, reaching 862000 dinars, while the year 2014 recorded the highest value, reaching 863667 dinars, B. The year 2014 recorded the lowest value, reaching 647667 dinars, while the year 2016 recorded the highest value, reaching 920933 dinars, C. The year 2014 recorded the lowest value, reaching 210000 dinars, while the year 2016 recorded the highest value, reaching 633667 dinars, D. The year 2016 recorded the lowest value, reaching 378333 dinars, while the year 2015 recorded the highest value, reaching 718667 dinars, E. The year 2016 recorded the lowest value, reaching 171466 dinars, while the year 2016 recorded the highest value, reaching 232000 dinars, F. The year 2016 recorded the lowest value, reaching 139133 dinars, while the year 2015 recorded the highest value, reaching 917000 dinars, G. The year 2015 recorded the highest value of revenues for crops, respectively (wheat, barley, lentils), while the year 2016 recorded the lowest value of revenues for crops, respectively (wheat, barley, lentils).

Adolescents' experiences with the food selection at the sports arena in the area of Oslo, Norway: a focus group study.

To investigate adolescents' experiences with the food selection at the sport arena. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 4-6 participants each. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were coded in NVivo and the analysis was guided by thematic analysis. Adolescents from handball and football clubs in Oslo and Viken, Norway, participated in the study. A total of nine boys (11-14 years old) and ten girls (11-14 years old) participated in the study. We identified four main themes: interest for healthy food; experiences with the food selection at the sports arena; factors influencing participants' food choices at the sports arena and expectations related to a healthy food selection at the sports arena. Adolescents across the focus groups experienced the food selection at the sports arena as unhealthy. Price, marketing and availability of unhealthy food were important factors that influenced their food choices at the sports arena. The trainer appeared to motivate the participants to eat healthy. Participants wished for a healthier food selection at the sports arena. Cost of food emerged as a factor that influenced their food choices. Our study also indicates that marketing of unhealthy food and beverages should be restricted, to influence adolescence food choice towards healthier alternatives.

Food Additives: Recent Advances and Development

Abstract: For instance, antifoam compounds are used at concentrations ranging from a few ppm to a particular percentage of the product's total weight. They can either work together in a synergistic way to benefit one another or compete with one another. In order to "prohibit the use of additives in foods that have not been adequately studied to ensure their safety," the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was modified in September 1958. Any substance whose intended use causes it to become a component of or to significantly alter the properties of food is considered a food additive (including any substance intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food; and any source of radiation intended for any such use). There are several well-known benefits to using additives. A wider range of food products, a reduced cost of food, and a safer and more nutrient-dense food supply are just a few of the significant advantages. Early American laws created the concept of "Generally Recognized as Safe" for particular dietary components, which was later clearly defined to include scientific data. The Code of Federal Regulations contains additional provisions pertaining to specific food additives. The use of food additives in member nations is governed by three key directives in the European Union. Australia and New Zealand follow the same legal system as Europe. In contrast to chemical additions, which must adhere to tight regulations, natural source additives are handled differently in Japan. This review provides general information on how additives can be used to achieve a variety of goals and how to draw conclusions from a range of authorities for distinct categories.

Lived Experiences of Parents of Children with Celiac Disease: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most prevalent food-related illnesses in children, with a global prevalence of approximately 1.4%. CD can create an emotional burden, particularly on mothers, who are mainly responsible for managing challenges related to adherence to a gluten-free diet, high food costs, and food problems in schools and social areas. There is a gap in the literature, and parental experiences of raising children with CD should be explicitly examined. This qualitative study sought to provide insights into the experiences of parents raising a child with CD in the Turkish context. This study used a descriptive qualitative research methodology and conducted individual semi-structured video-based dyadic interviews with 19 parents. Participants experienced both challenges and motivators through management of their children's CD. Analyses of the interview transcripts through the data uncovered three main themes focusing primarily on parental concerns: (1) parental challenges in child's disease management, (2) supportive care needs, and (3) parental expectations. A multidisciplinary team should approach the child and family immediately after diagnosis, and facilities should support parents with continuing education and psychological, financial, and social assistance.

Synergizing Sustainable Solutions: Exploring the Nexus of Food Security and Social Forestry in Bangladesh

Social forestry is centered on managing forests with a focus on the well-being of nearby communities, aiming to elevate impoverished populations by offering employment opportunities and addressing basic needs such as food, fodder, fuel, furniture, and resources. Through these efforts, social forestry not only fosters self-reliance among disadvantaged groups but also contributes to broader developmental goals. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social forestry in improving the lives of rural poor individuals. We conducted a review using secondary data, selecting articles based on specific criteria and analyzing information from 16 chosen articles. Our investigation revealed that factors such as income, household size, education, staple food costs, and the gender of the household head significantly influence household food security, and social forestry initiatives can lead to considerable benefits. Our findings indicate that individuals without land are particularly engaged in social forestry projects, resulting in increased income levels, with some experiencing earnings exceeding $666. This approach also supports shifting cultivators, enhancing their livelihoods and expanding forested areas in the region. Furthermore, the adoption of agroforestry within social forestry plots has led to a notable shift, with approximately 64% of people transitioning to agroforestry practices, thereby augmenting rural women's incomes by up to $300. Overall, social forestry has contributed to a 31% increase in forested areas in Bangladesh. However, challenges such as confusion and high interest rates deter farmers from participating in social forestry initiatives. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance the popularity and income-generating potential of social forestry for rural communities.

Cruise Control: Steering Through the Waves of Customer Satisfaction Across Cruise Market Segments

This study investigates the intricate relationships between overall cruise rating and various experience attributes by leveraging a comprehensive dataset of consumer reviews from two major online platforms. The analysis revealed that the core elements of hospitality, particularly dining and service, are critical for overall cruise satisfaction, perceived value, and ship quality perceptions. A major finding of this study is the critical role of perceived value for money in shaping the satisfaction narratives expressed by cruise patrons in online reviews in all market segments. The originality of this study lies in its examination of various market segments and review samples, which illuminate the complex and multidimensional aspects of customer satisfaction. The results indicate that hospitality strategies should vary significantly across segments, further emphasising the need for a nuanced approach because of the varied expectations across these markets. Furthermore, the study reveals a pattern suggesting that cost-cutting efforts, when involving food costs, result in lower satisfaction levels in dining and multiple categories, ultimately opposing potential savings. This insight emphasises the need for cruise lines to balance cost-cutting measures carefully while maintaining high-quality dining experiences to enhance overall customer satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of utilising diverse review metrics to develop a multidimensional framework for customer-centric performance management across all hospitality sectors.

Assessing The Socio-Economic Implications of Biotechnology-Enhanced Food Accessibility and Affordability

This research aimed to assess the socio-economic implications of biotechnology-enhanced food accessibility and affordability. The study focused on how biotechnological advancements, such as genetically modified crops and bio-fortified foods, influenced food systems and their potential benefits for various socio-economic groups. The methodology involved a comparative analysis of the cost differences in maintaining a healthy diet across regions with differing levels of biotech adoption, evaluating the affordability and availability of these foods, particularly for vulnerable populations. Key findings indicated that biotechnology significantly improved food production through higher yields and enhanced nutritional profiles, potentially reducing food costs and increasing availability. However, the economic impacts were complex and varied by region. The research highlighted that while biotechnology could reduce food insecurity and improve diet quality for lower-income groups, socio-economic factors such as income, education, and geographic location played crucial roles in accessing these benefits. The study underscored the need for policies to ensure equitable distribution of biotechnology benefits, addressing regional disparities and socio-economic inequalities to maximize the positive impact on food security and nutrition.

Perceived benefits and challenges of school feeding program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Addis Ababa initiated a universal Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) in February 2019 to address hunger and improve the educational outcomes of schoolchildren. This study aimed to document the perceived benefits and challenges of the HGSFP in Addis Ababa, where such information was lacking. In May 2023, a qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to collect data from 20 schools participating in the HGSFP. Data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 98 purposively selected participants. The study encompassed 48 student mothers in 5 FGDs, 20 student interviews, 20 school principals, and 10 experts from the Ministry of Education, Sub-cities, and the School Feeding Agency for in-depth interviews. Data collected in the local language were transcribed, translated into English, and thematically analysed using ATLAS-TI software. The study's findings unveiled the transformative impact of the HGSFP in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It demonstrated remarkable improvements in attendance, concentration, academic performance, reduced dropout rates, financial relief, enhanced behaviour, and a safer learning environment. However, urgent measures are imperative to tackle pressing challenges such as underpaid kitchen workers, operational issues, reduced reading time, rising food costs, limited market access, inadequate infrastructure, and growing dependency. To ensure the enduring sustainability of HGSFP, addressing challenges like workload reduction, kitchen infrastructure enhancement, government guideline implementation, promoting self-reliance, overcoming budget limitations, and addressing school gardening obstacles is vital.

Transformacija solventne potražnje i potrošnje hrane u Ukrajini u uvjetima rata

The article is devoted to the assessment of the state and peculiarities of the formation of the solvent demand for food products in Ukraine during the war and the determination of the optimal amount of wages to ensure the consumption of the main set of food products at the level of rational standards. A comprehensive analysis of structural changes in the solvent demand for food consumption in Ukraine in the war was carried out using the monographic method. Determination of actual and aggregate costs at the level of rational standards for food products was carried out using the calculation-constructive method. The comparison of actual and necessary costs at the level of rational norms for nutrition was carried out on the basis of collected statistical and calculated data by the method of comparative analysis. It is recognized that the war has negative consequences in the nutrition of Ukrainians. During the first year of the war, the price affordability of food products decreased by 26.6% on average. In 2010-2022, the share of population spending on food remains very significant (from 51.6% in 2010 to 57.8% in 2022). In 2023, this indicator is expected to grow to 58.5%. It has been proven that in order to consume basic food products in accordance with rational norms, the population of Ukraine had to spend 1.56 times more in 2021 than the actual expenses. To achieve the level of consumption in accordance with rational standards in 2022, an additional 23,478 UAH per year, or 1,957 UAH per month, is needed. The forecast for 2023 predicts a deterioration of the ratio of actual food costs to costs under rational standards to 1.68. It was determined that in 2021 the wage level should be at least UAH 33,944 (EUR 1,131) per person per month, which is 2.41 times higher than the actual wage level in the country. The war worsened this ratio to 2.6. It was established that in 2023, for food at the level of rational consumption standards, a Ukrainian should earn 38,564 UAH (964 EUR per month), which is 2.9 times higher than the actual wage level (13,423 UAH or 335 EUR). The novelty of the study consists in the development and practical testing of the methodology for determining the optimal wage of Ukrainians to ensure the consumption of the main set of food products at the level of rational standards.