Ground truthing the cost of achieving the EAT lancet recommended diets: Evidence from rural India

Abstract

In this paper, we quantify the divergence in the cost of current diets as compared to EAT Lancet recommendations at the subnational-level in India. We use primary data on food prices and household food purchases, and secondary data on food expenditures for a period of 12 months in 2018–19. The cost of the EAT Lancet dietary recommendations for rural India ranges between $3.00- $5.00 per person per day. In contrast, actual dietary intake at present is valued at around $1.00 per person per day. In order to get to the EAT Lancet recommendations individuals will have to spend nearly $1.00 per person per day more on each of meat fish poultry, dairy foods and fruits. The deficit in current diets relative to recommendations is marked by seasonal variations driven by volatility in the underlying food prices. This paper extends the evidence base for the affordability of the EAT Lancet diet to a subnational-level in India, using the most recent data on prices and expenditures, over time. We highlight the need for tracking rural markets at the subnational level, over time for their nutritional quality and ability to provide affordable, nutritious diets to the poor. Crop diversification, investments in rural infrastructure and well-functioning markets can move rural India towards more nutrition sensitive food environments.

A Nutrition Behavior Change Program Moderately Improves Minimum Diet Diversity and Handwashing Behaviors Among Tea Workers in Assam and Tamil Nadu, India

“… 19 A recent assessment of the cost of the EAT Lancet recommended diet would cost the equivalent of INR 260 per day per person (or INR 1300 per day per household). 20 Other studies focusing on behavior-change in rural-Indian households have also noted affordability as a key barrier to improving diets. 21 , 22 In addition, in Assam tea estates, food markets are only held on a weekly basis making the availability of fresh nutritious foods limited.…”

Role of Food Industry in Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Diets

“…Countries with less wealth face even greater financial challenges to meeting healthy, sustainable dietary guidance. It was reported that the cost of the sustainable EAT-Lancet diet for rural India ranged between USD 3.00 and USD 5.00 per person per day in contrast to current dietary intake at a value of USD 1.00 per person per day [ 22 ]. The authors also noted challenges to achieving recommended diets are exacerbated by seasonal variations and volatility in food prices [ 22 ].…”

“…It was reported that the cost of the sustainable EAT-Lancet diet for rural India ranged between USD 3.00 and USD 5.00 per person per day in contrast to current dietary intake at a value of USD 1.00 per person per day [ 22 ]. The authors also noted challenges to achieving recommended diets are exacerbated by seasonal variations and volatility in food prices [ 22 ]. The FAO stated that where countries have national food-based dietary guidelines, there is often a lack of policy coherence on how to ensure the affordability of those diets recommended for nutrition and health.…”

Covid-19: Why has India had a spike in stillbirths?

“…7 A study published in Global Food Security in March 2021 estimated that Indians eat a diet that costs roughly $1 (£0.73; €0.85) per day-roughly a fifth of the cost of the least expensive healthy diet recommended by the EAT-Lancet Commission. 8 The loss of jobs during the lockdown has cut household spending for millions of people, and a study published in Economia Politica showed that Indian women's dietary diversity declined during the lockdown compared with the same period in 2019, showing decreased consumption of meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruit. 9 But the biggest problem is the disrupted healthcare system.…”

“…Nutrition, for instance, could be a factor—over 77% of Indian households were consuming less food in 2020 (during the pandemic and lockdown) than before and food insecurity was higher among women, Muslims, Scheduled Castes, and people with lower education, according to a report by Azim Premji University based on a survey on 5000 workers across the various sectors 7. A study published in Global Food Security in March 2021 estimated that Indians eat a diet that costs roughly $1 (£0.73; €0.85) per day—roughly a fifth of the cost of the least expensive healthy diet recommended by the EAT-Lancet Commission 8…”