Design of the new basic food basket for Guatemala

Abstract

Background: the Guatemalan basic food basket (BFB) was designed 30 years ago. Its structure does not reflect the current trend on food consumption among the population. On the other hand, the average household size has decreased from 5.4 to 4.9; last evaluation 2009-2010. Aim: to design the new Guatemalan BFB, for urban and rural population, based on analysis of food consumption data from the "National survey on family income and expenditure 2009-2010". Materials and methods: a standardized methodology was followed. Initially, energy and protein requirements were seted. Then, the most-consumed foods and its consumption amounts were chosen. Later on, BFB basic structure was obtained (food and food groups, intake of energy and macronutrients, amount consumed and most used food measures). Finally, the methodology to set prices was defined. Results: three different structures were obtained, composed by 41 products (national BFB), 46 products (urban BFB), and 35 products (rural BFB); from all food groups. A methodology to set prices was developed for each BFB; according with the target population. Conclusions: the proposed structures comply with the observed population consumption patterns, and cover the recommended amounts of energy, protein, carbohydrates and fat.