To address the question of why the side dish in the healthier lunch costs more, let's analyze the economic costs per lunch as provided in the chart:
[tex]\[
\begin{tabular}{|l|r|r|}
\hline \multicolumn{3}{|c|}{Economic Cost per Lunch} \\
\hline & \begin{tabular}{c}
current \\
lunch
\end{tabular} & \begin{tabular}{c}
Healthier \\
lunch
\end{tabular} \\
\hline Main course & \$ 1.15 & \$ 1.85 \\
\hline Side dish & \$ 0.30 & \$ 0.90 \\
\hline Dessert & \$ 0.30 & \$ 0.10 \\
\hline Beverage & \$ 0.30 & \$ 0.05 \\
\hline Total & \$ 2.05 & \$ 2.80 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\][/tex]
Focusing on the side dish costs:
- The cost of the side dish in the current lunch is \[tex]$0.30.
- The cost of the side dish in the healthier lunch is \$[/tex]0.90.
We notice that the side dish in the healthier lunch costs more. Specifically:
- Cost difference = \[tex]$0.90 (Healthier Side Dish) - \$[/tex]0.30 (Current Side Dish) = \[tex]$0.60.
Given this difference, we can consider the potential reasons listed:
1. It contains a larger portion than the current lunch.
2. It uses a substitute item that is more expensive.
3. It tastes better than the side dish in the current lunch.
4. It reduces childhood obesity in a more effective way.
Analyzing these options, the most logical conclusion is:
- The side dish in the healthier lunch likely uses a substitute item that is more expensive, hence the higher cost.
The reason focusing on the substitute being more expensive makes sense is that a healthier option might incorporate higher quality or fresher ingredients, organic produce, or other premium products that tend to cost more. This aligns with the observed cost difference of \$[/tex]0.60.
Thus, the side dish most likely costs much more in the healthier lunch because it uses a substitute item that is more expensive.
