Alarming picture at the hunger and poverty line: Cost of healthy eating skyrockets

The cost of a healthy diet for a family of four in Turkey has surged to 49,556 Turkish lira per month, according to a new report from the Bureau of Employees' Trade Union Research Center (BES-AR). This figure highlights a significant increase in food expenses, with the hunger line rising by 36.03% annually.

The poverty line, which includes all mandatory expenses beyond food such as clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, education, and healthcare, has reached 122,117 Turkish lira. The poverty line saw a steeper annual increase of 37.77%.

For a single, unemployed individual, the monthly cost of living is estimated at 78,223 Turkish lira. The daily cost for a family of four to eat healthily now exceeds 1,651 Turkish lira. The report also noted that the minimum wage remains below the hunger line.

Furthermore, public employees in major Turkish cities face immense financial pressure due to housing costs. Rent alone can consume 75-80% of their salaries. This economic strain forces many to live in shared accommodations, similar to student housing, with three or five people per dwelling.