Model diet for a living wage

Food is almost always the most important expense of households in developing countries. In the Anker methodology, the cost of food is based on local food prices and a model diet that is nutritious in more than just calories, is consistent with local food preferences, and is relatively low in cost for a nutritious diet. Chapter 3 describes in detail the nutritional needs of people and the nutritional content of major food groups such as cereals, legumes, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and oils. Two Excel programs are described that were developed by the authors to help researchers to create an appropriate model diet for estimating food costs for a living wage. The first Excel program calculates the required number of calories per person (based on age, sex, body size, and level of physical activity). The second Excel program helps researchers create a model diet that meets multiple WHO nutritional requirements, is palatable to the local population, and is relatively low in cost for a nutritious diet. Chapter 3 explains why these new Excel programs were needed, describes the logic behind them, and takes the reader through each step of creating an appropriate model diet for a living wage. The nutritional content and percentage edible of many common foods are provided in an annex.