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The hunger threshold, known as the main indicator of the cost of basic survival-level food needs for a family of four, surpassed ₺26,413 ($650) in July, the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is) reported.
The “poverty line,” which includes additional monthly expenditures such as housing (rent, electricity, water and heating), transportation, clothing, education, and healthcare, has reached ₺86,036 ($2,119).
The figure showed that the gap between the hunger threshold and the monthly net minimum wage of ₺22,104 (approximately $544) stood at ₺4,309 ($106), while 83 out of every 100 workers in Türkiye are estimated to earn a wage equal to or less than 1.5 times the minimum wage.
The figure rose to ₺33,982 in July for a single working adult, the report showed.
The cost of food for a four-person household increased by 1.14% compared to June. On an annual basis, the rise reached 37.32%, while the average yearly increase stood at 42.60%.
The report also noted that food costs rose by 25.28% in the first seven months of 2025 alone, pointing to ongoing price volatility in essential goods.
The report emphasized that many low-income families in Türkiye are unable to afford the cost of a healthy and balanced diet. Due to limited income, households are often forced to make trade-offs between food and non-food expenses such as rent, transportation, fuel and electricity.
According to the statement, families tend to prioritize cheaper food items over more nutritious but higher-priced alternatives.
As a result, they may reduce their food spending to cover other essential expenses, which often leads to unhealthy and unbalanced diets.
The report concluded that insufficient income levels directly contribute to poor nutrition among low-income individuals and households.
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