State of Food vs Income-Expenditure Gap in Developing World with a Focus on Iran

The paper explores how insecurity in food accessibility is largely emerging especially within the younger generations who are unemployed, or underemployed. Their income shortage usually deprive them of the quantity and quality of the food that they need. Such a situation causes increasing vulnerabilities for them. Psychologically speaking, it contributes to overweight and obesity among many. Overeating often happens within the poor-leading to various issues. Because of the aforementioned situation, culture of street food supply has emerged in increasing number of developing countries to respond the demand of the increasing low-income people. Shortage of income not only creates food issues, but delays marriage and formation of family in developing countries. This situation that leads to stigmas and lots of social problems in many developing countries; eventually affect birth rates among younger generations. Jobs and earnings largely affect quality of life including access to healthy food and housing. Unfortunately, food accessibility will be more serious in the decades to come with special reference to the developing world, as among other barometers, more people will be residing in urban areas which are more consuming sectors.

Keywords:Food accessibility; Street food; Income-Expenditure gap; Low-income youth; Lifestyle