Using Linear Programming Model to Determine Balanced and Least- COST Human Diet for the Poor in Greater Amman, Jordan

The poor community in Greater Amman, Jordan suffers from malnutrition due to the deficiency of food budget. The objectives of this study are to define a balanced and least-cost diet for poor people living in that area; to measure the deficiency in food intake, and to find out the effect of the expected price increase on food consumption and cost. For achieving the objectives of this study, a sample of 158 households has been randomly chosen from the targeted community. The sample has been divided into 10 age and gender groups. Linear programming model has been used to determine the balanced and least cost diets for the different age groups of the sample. The proposed diet for children costs 0.180 JD, while the recommended diet for average males and females more than 11 years old costs 0.253 3D per capita/day. Suggested meals for male consumers of all age groups cost more than the other ones recommended to females. The cost of the diet for males and females for the age group of 19-50 years was higher than that for other age groups. The actual food consumption of the sample indicated insufficient nutrients intake of protein, fats, carbohydrates and energy by 14% for protein, 10% for fats, 4% for carbohydrates and 10% for energy. The increase in the food price by 10% will increase the cost of food by about 26%. In order to solve the malnutrition problem of the poor, it is recommended to support their food budget and to start establishing small-scale income-generating projects in an attempt to improve the economic environment and the nutrition status of the poor