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Is EGP3000 Enough For Your Monthly Household Needs?
Can an Egyptian household of 4 be sufficed by EGP3000 for food?
Dr. Rawda Hamza, a lecturer in Home Economics at Helwan University, caused a stir among Egyptians with her controversial statement that 3,000 EGP is enough for an Egyptian family’s food and drink for a month. People were shocked, questioning how this could be possible when a kilogram of meat costs 400 EGP, chicken fillet is over 200 EGP, and even basic items like bread, falafel, and legumes have risen in price. Rent in popular areas alone exceeds 2,000 EGP, and prices for medicine and laundry detergent have also shot up, with detergent costing over 200 EGP and not lasting a month.
During her appearance on the “L’allahum Yafqahon” program on dmc channel, Dr. Hamza explained how she would allocate the 3,000 EGP: 435 EGP for pantry essentials, 115 EGP for cleaning supplies, 700 EGP for supermarket shopping, 1,100 EGP for meat, poultry, and fish, and 650 EGP for vegetables and fruits.
These remarks triggered a wave of criticism from thinkers and social media users alike. Dr. Khaled Montaser, a doctor and public thinker, sarcastically wrote on Facebook: “For just 3,000 EGP, you’ll eat meat, fish, and chicken for a month and a half—if, at the start of the month, you recite Surah Quraish, blessings will shower upon your food, and the falafel will turn into a fish, and the kebab will become a lamb!” He went on to challenge: “I dare you to go to any restaurant with your family and pay less than 3,000 EGP.”
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Sarcastic comments galore!
Many social media users poked fun at Dr. Hamza’s statement, with comments like: “Please specify the currency, Doctor,” and others pointed out that she had forgotten to account for expenses like water, electricity, gas, medicine, children’s treatment, clothing, and school fees. Some users commented, “I’ll pray for you, may God guide you.” Others joked, “3,000 EGP would barely cover the essentials for a week and a half.”
Many questioned whether Dr. Hamza was really seeing the same prices that ordinary Egyptians face. Some sarcastically remarked that the 3,000 EGP could only cover breakfast with falafel and beans for a month—if you’re lucky. Overall, her comments seemed out of touch with the reality of Egypt’s current economic situation.
Rawda responds to the backlash..
Dr. Rawda Hamza defended herself by clarifying that her comments were not aimed at social media users with internet access, but people with limited incomes, Noting that she was providing practical advice on how a family with a 3000 EGP food budget can manage their expenses, and allocate the money wisely to meet essential needs..
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