Food Security Status in Different Income Groups (Case Study: Boyer-Ahmad City)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of food security in different income groups in the city of Boyer-Ahmad (from the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad environs). The sample was selected based on the multistage cluster sampling method. Required data were collected through interviews and completion of questionnaire. Supplementary data were derived from the food composition tables. To assess food security, food diversity indices such as Hannah - Kay (HKNE), Berry (BI), Entropy (EI), numbers of food groups, number of food items, and also the ratio of energy intake to the recommended energy (ERC) index were used. Comparing the values of these indices and also amounts of intakes and recommended nutrients in various income groups (4 groups) were performed and analyzed using ANOVA model. The average of used indicators indicate that food diversity and food security is in the moderate level in Boyer-Ahmad city. The difference of mentioned indices among income groups is significant at the 5% level. Parallel to increasing income level, the frequency percentage of households which have diversity and food security, and the amount of macronutrients intake considerably have been increased. With respect to changes of income levels and their impact on food security, it is recommended that future government policies directed towards a balanced regional development and more equitable distribution of investments and subsidies. For correcting eating habits, it should be pay more attention to nutritional education through the mass media, formal education and training particularly in the areas such as Boyer-Ahmad city.