Can locally available foods provide a healthy diet at affordable costs? Case of Armenia

Abstract

Nutrition-related health problems, such as obesity, stunting, anemia, and high blood pressure are common in Armenia. A large portion of the population lives below the national poverty line, and consumes less than the necessary energy intake per day. Linear programming is used in this study of diet optimization to create a healthy diet model for children and adults of different ages at the minimum cost. The model is based on culturally appropriate food products. The study finds that, while average Armenians can afford a healthy diet, their current dietary choices do not meet the requirements of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Moreover, people earning minimum salary need to spend more than half of their monthly income on food to afford a healthy diet. Based on the study’s findings, several policy recommendations are made.