Jamaican spending on food in 1 week?

QUESTION: How much do Jamaicans spend on food in a week? I need for family living class.

ANSWER: by Wellesley February 15, 2012


Difficult question, but I do appreaciate it.
As my former boss would say, if one ask it others are probably thinking or asking the same question :-)

It's hard to say though, as there are so many factors to be considered. Social status, income, address (rural vs city), age and even lifestyle.

I think probably one measure could be to use the government approved minimum wage as a basis.

At today's date it is at $4,500 per week, that's about 52 American Dollars per week - still very too low by any standard if you ask me, but it is what it is -for now.

We could probably then say that food (just food) should constitute about 50% (per person) of that minimum wage.

That would be about 2,250 huh? .. still sounds a bit low to me but it could very well be what the poorest pays per week for food, per person.

Another, and probably a more accurate approach could be to sum the most basic groceries for a week, add green foods and basic meat (protein) and see what it comes to (per person).

Like this...

Basic Supermarket Items (again just food items):

2 lbs Flour - $140
1 lb Sugar -$70
2 lb Rice -$150
1 bottle oil - $110
1 hardough bread - $210
1/2 doz eggs - $150
Dairy, Creams etc. - $300
Snacks - $400
Juicies and Drinks -$600,

Green foods and vegetables: $1,500
Meat, Poultry or Protein: $1,200


Total: $4,830 or $56 USD.
Actually this is more than the minimum rate! but that's probably more like it.

I hope this helps! Good luck on your assignment.

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Regards,
Wellesley

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