Final answer:
The "calories criterion of poverty" refers to a threshold of calorie intake used to define poverty, highlighting the connection between insufficient food intake and poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "calorie criterion of poverty" is a threshold of calorie intake used to define poverty. It involves calculating the caloric intake necessary for an individual to lead a healthy life, and if someone's intake falls below this threshold, they are considered to be living in poverty. This concept is rooted in the broader definition of poverty, which identifies individuals as poor when they lack sufficient resources, such as food and shelter, to meet their basic needs. Notably, in the United States, Mollie Orshansky's seminal work laid the foundation for defining poverty lines based on the cost of a healthy diet, factoring in nutritional needs through calorie counts. There are different methods for measuring poverty. One international benchmark is the International Poverty Line, which is set at living on less than $1.90 per day. Adjusting for purchasing power, the threshold of $2.15 per day is considered a measure of extreme poverty. While monetary thresholds are common, the calorie criterion targets the direct consequence of poverty – malnutrition and undernutrition. It is understood that without a certain amount of calories, typically accessible through an adequate diet, individuals cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of nutritional sufficiency in poverty measurements.