![[Img #74675]](https://thelatestnews.world/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/They-discover-a-new-class-of-X-ray-sources-in-the-150x150.jpg)
The economic crisis that Argentina is going through began to be felt in a sector that would never have been thought of. And this country is known for its carnivorous culture and its prolific agricultural industry; However, more and more Argentines have had to stop eating meat due to its high price and have turned to alternative products, such as chicken.
“Sometimes I have to stop myself from eating what I have to eat to pay taxes,” he told the Voice of America Argentine María Cristina Moyano, during a conversation at her home in Buenos Aires, the country's capital. She is retired and receives the minimum pension, which she often It is not enough to cover the basic food basket.
“We tried to change our eating habits a little, not so much meat,” admitted Marcelo Frías, a nurse who lives in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores with his 7-year-old daughter and his wife, who works in the pharmaceutical sector.
Despite the differences between María Cristina (retired) and Marcelo (employee in the nursing sector), the economic situation has led them both to make changes in their eating habits. Like them, many agree that in the country known for the production and consumption of beef, many of its residents have been forced to stop eating meat and replace it with chicken.
“Before, my boys always came to eat on the weekends. We did barbecue, everything… and now it's impossible for me. I don't want my children to come and see me in this situation either,” María Cristina lamented.
Marcelo Frías even said that the situation has gotten worse. “Not long ago, less than seven or six months ago, we ate barbecue twice a week. One Sunday or Saturday night with brisket, chorizo and wine, various salads. And now we can't go anywhere.”
The traditional Argentine barbecue, among those affected by high meat prices
Until a few years ago, asado or grilled meat was a dish that was eaten two or more times a week in Argentina. Now, it is increasingly scarce due to high costs, so Argentines are opting for chicken.
This is a phenomenon that, according to experts, has accelerated in recent months. Two years ago, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranked Argentina as the country with the highest consumption of beef per capita (with 46.9 kilos). But now, due to the increase in prices, in the last two months meat consumption has decreased by approximately 12%, as revealed by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Meat and Meat Products.
In the last year, the price of meat increased by 307%, according to a report from the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute. A figure that even exceeded Argentina's annual inflation, which stood at 211.4%, according to official figures.
The figures have an impact on reality and are visible when visiting the different butcher shops in the Argentine capital. “They carry a lot per unit rather than quantity. People say it's not enough, it's enough for the day. Who eats meat once or twice a week. A lot of chicken is consumed,” details butcher Fausto Ruiz in conversation with the VOA.
President Javier Milei assured that inflation will gradually decrease in the coming months. Many are confident that this projection will come true, but fear for the future of their personal finances and daily expenses.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channels Youtube, WhatsApp and to newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.
