Iran is grappling with a complex web of social, political, and economic challenges, manifesting in a series of crises. This brief report delves into a specific facet of this crisis— the dire state of food accessibility for the impoverished and low-income population.
A concerning reality unfolds as Iranian workers find themselves compelled to toil for extended periods, with a significant portion engaged in multiple shifts across different jobs. Despite many households having virtually all family members working, they still grapple with a profound problem, verging on crisis, in meeting their basic needs. This harsh reality is acknowledged even by the government’s media and experts. Notably, economist Hossein Raghfar, affiliated with the regime, recently highlighted in a conversation with one of the government’s media outlets:
“The average household in the country allocates a staggering 65% of its income to food expenditures. This statistic is truly alarming. Not too long ago, this figure stood at 16% in Tehran. In the urban areas of the country, it was 25-26%, and in rural areas, it reached 35%.”
Moreover, household meat consumption has plummeted from 3 kg to a mere 2 kg annually, an astonishing decline. The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when considering that families spend the majority of their income on basic food items like bread, cheese, vegetables, and a few tomatoes. This prompts the question of how they cope with the exorbitant costs of housing and healthcare, and whether they can afford to provide their children with a basic education without them dropping out.
In a conversation facilitated by the state-run daily ‘Fararou,’ Raghfar underscored the stark contrast in meat consumption, emphasizing that in the 2010s, Iranians consumed over ten kilograms per capita annually. However, as of January 2024, this has dwindled to around 2.6 kg. Even the most affordable staples, such as Khash, are now beyond the reach of many low-income individuals. For instance, a family breadwinner supporting a household of four must allocate roughly ‘about 65%’ of their income to procure a minimal basket of essential food items.
Since 1979, the purchasing power of minimum-wage workers has plummeted by more than 65%, reaching less than half of its former value. This year marks the lowest real minimum wage for workers in the past 28 years. These challenging conditions extend beyond meat scarcity, impacting the ability of workers and vulnerable segments of society to afford basic necessities like beans and bread. The repercussions are profound, affecting the very fabric of daily life for countless Iranians.
