MEDC vs. LEDC

MEDC (Most Economically Developed Countries)

• In many MEDCs, the cost of staple food items is relatively cheap. 
• Most people make purchases based on taste and preference.
• Produce seasonality has mostly disappeared due to globalization. This has also allowed for a greater international variety in most supermarkets.
• In MEDCs the average caloric content per capita per day of food is 3314 calories. In the USA specifically, this number is 3774 calories.

LEDC (Least Economically Developed Countries)

• In LEDCs, many staple food items may not be always affordable as prices fluctuate. 
• People tend to make purchases based on nutritional need and affordability.
• Political and economic agendas can affect food production (e.g. cash cropping)
• Even if food crops are not used as cash crops, food production is still impacted since arable land is being occupied all the same.
• In LEDCs the average caloric content per capita per day of food is 2666 calories. In Eritrea this number is 1512 calories.