Economic crisis hits children: Cost of a lunchbox has increased by 200 percent in one year

The worsening economic crisis and inflationary environment continue to break the backs of citizens. Families are being crushed under the cost of a lunchbox.

According to a report by Mustafa Bildircin from Birgün, a study by CHP Ankara Deputy Murat Emir, which shows the one-year increase in basic food prices and the consequences of this rise, revealed that prices have increased by 200 percent in one year, even for products at Agricultural Credit Cooperatives.

238 PERCENT INCREASE IN OLIVES

According to the study, prices for foods such as eggs, milk, and cheese saw increases of up to 200 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. Similar increases also emerged in the products of the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives, which are claimed to aim at providing affordable products to citizens.

In Agricultural Credit Cooperative markets, 500 grams of white cheese, which was sold for 25 TL in 2022, reached 58 TL with a 130 percent increase. The price per egg also jumped from 1.6 TL to 2.7 TL, an 80 percent increase. A similar rise was experienced in milk and black olives. Accordingly, the price of 1 liter of semi-skimmed milk rose from 13 TL to 35 TL, a 169 percent increase. Meanwhile, 500 grams of black olives increased by 238 percent compared to 2022, reaching 44 TL.

DISEASE RISK FOR CHILDREN

Emir stated that in order for preschool and primary school-aged children to develop healthily, a variety of nutrients must be provided in all their meals, especially breakfast. Stating that the problem of access to healthy food in Turkey could have negative effects on children, Emir said, "If this situation continues, it will be inevitable for diseases such as developmental delays, hair loss due to malnutrition, stunted growth, and night blindness due to vitamin deficiency to emerge in children."

DIFFICULT QUESTION FOR MINISTER TEKIN

Emphasizing that the Ministry of National Education has responsibilities to ensure that economic difficulties do not hinder the healthy development of children, Emir asked Minister Yusuf Tekin the following:

“Is any research being conducted regarding the nutritional habits of preschool and primary school-aged children? Why was the free nutrition program initiated for preschool children terminated in provinces outside the earthquake zone? Is there any plan to implement nutritional support for preschool and primary school-aged children in schools?”

News Source: 12punto