Poziom życia ludności a wielkość i struktura spożycia żywności w aspekcie regionalnym
The Standard of Living of the Population and the Volume and Pattern of Food Consumption in Regional Terms

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: Quality of life is defined as a degree of satisfaction of human needs resulting from consumption of goods and services. Food needs are basic physiological human needs and are classified in the first place as the most important needs of each individual. Aim: An aim of this study was to show regional differences in living standards in Poland through an analysis of the measures defining the phenomenon and to present the volume and pattern of food consumption. In addition, efforts were made to establish whether there are, and if so what, relationships between the indicators that describe the standard of living and the level and pattern of consumption of food in terms of regions. Material and methods: The aim accomplishment used the most current information from secondary sources, mainly from household budget surveys, statistical yearbooks, and other source materials. The authors analysed all sixteen provinces in Poland. To assess the regional differences, occurring relationships and dependencies there were used basic measures and indicators in the form of numerical ratings. There were calculated intensity ratios, coefficients of the pattern, variability, asymmetry, and correlation. Results: An important role in the development of food intake there is played by macro- and microeconomic factors that are both determinants of economic development and standard of living. There are significant relationships between the economic indicators and the level of food consumption. In households located in wealthier regions, there are significantly more frequently consumed products such as yogurt, milk drinks, cheese and fruit, while in poorer provinces - bread, milk, eggs, oil, vegetables, and sugar. Conclusion: In Poland, there are significant regional disparities in GDP, average monthly wages and incomes, which, in turn, affect the level and structure of expenditure on food products and, as a result, the level of meeting needs in this area. In the more developed regions, the population consume more processed foodindustry products, while in poorer regions, with a lower standard of living, more unprocessed products, and cheaper substitutes that meet the same needs.

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