VivirLatino

Massive Inflation Changes the Mexican Diet

11:18 H | Topics: Food - Lifestyle - Mexico - Money - Society

The massive price increases that have been affecting Mexico since last year are changing the way some Mexicans -- particularly those in the capital city -- eat. La Jornada reports that inflation is up 60% on staple products, forcing many to have to change their diet for the worse.

The rise in prices is affecting at least 2 million people in Mexico City who barely scrape by economically, and forcing them to give up meat, chicken and fish, replacing them with tortillas and bread because half of their income is spent on food. It just isn't enough to afford these items.

The Mexican Secretary of Development is worried that this will eventually take its toll on health, especially that of children, and expects to see a decline in school performance, as well as failing health in the elderly.

And the situation isn't getting better. Just when you think you can turn to bread as a cheap food option, La Jornada reports that wheat flower has gone up 100%. Other staples like rice have increased in price by 80%.

Via / La Jornada

Image via Rageforst on Flickr

Related

• How To Never Eat Indoors : Taco Trucks and Chimichurri Trucks (Thursday, Apr 17 2008)
• Chavez Vs. Food and Farmers (Monday, Jan 21 2008)