Recalibration of benchmarks is necessary: even the most basic meal was not affordable for Malawi’s poor between 2017 and 2021

Dietary quality has significant implications for health, nutrition and life quality. Yet, most people in developing countries, such as Malawi, consume inadequate diets due to the high cost of healthy nutritious food. The international community called a radical transformation food systems ensure access healthier options at affordable prices. While costs affordability have recently been established, little attention paid economic accessibility basic nourishment. available price data (2017 2021) from National Statistics Office Malawi (NSO) were used calculate World Food Program’s “basic plate.” items substituted determine if local substitutes could improve nutritional value plate. plate was compared poverty line average expenditure Malawi. Slight variations purchase parity meals found between 2017 2021. However, meal alternative plates not those living or below over this period. A revision is necessary that needs can be met. Both revisions cash-based assistance should consider using animal-sourced proteins more expensive than plant-based protein sources, but provide meals.