Archive for category: Food Insecurity

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5 Charities Fighting Food Insecurity in Palestine

Food Insecurity in Palestine
For nearly 80 years, Palestine has faced a complex humanitarian crisis connected to both internal and external political conflict that has caused unrest, instability and the loss of many lives. The exacerbation of the already dire situation — especially in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip — has led to economic instability, the loss of homes, restricted trade and access to essential resources and high unemployment rates, all of which have resulted in rising poverty rates. Currently, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 regarding food security is the greatest challenge, giving rise to initiatives that focus on fighting food insecurity in Palestine. 

Food Insecurity in Palestine in Numbers

As it stands, 33.6% of the population (about 1.8 million people) are moderately or severely food-insecure. However, this national average does not highlight the significant differences within the country, with 24% of the 1.8 million people residing on the West Bank and 75% in the Gaza Strip. 

An overwhelming 51% of food-insecure people are children, while 49% are adults and 1% are elderly. An important fact to note is that 76% of food-insecure people are refugees, while 24% are non-refugees.

The Main Causes 

While several factors are contributing to food insecurity in Palestine, here are some of the primary causes:

  • Prolonged conflict
  • Economic stagnation
  • Restriction on trade and access to resources
  • High unemployment rate
  • High poverty rate

After decades of turbulence and violence, there are, fortunately, several organizations dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Palestine. Here is some information about them.

Action Against Hunger

Founded in 2002, Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization taking action against the causes and effects of hunger. Currently, it is aiding Palestinian families by supporting small businesses as well as promoting economic empowerment for women and young people. This is primarily achieved through providing food, money and mental health services, whilst also improving access to clean water, good hygiene and safe sanitation. In 2022, the organization was able to help 525,314 people – 519,000 people were reached by the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Programs and 6,000 people’s lives were improved due to the Food Security and Livelihoods Programs. 

SKT Welfare

SKT Welfare, which provides urgent aid and sustainable relief to millions of disadvantaged people around the world, has been aiding Gaza in Palestine since the conflict in Gaza erupted in 2014. The Muslim charity is fighting food insecurity in Palestine through hand-delivering food packages to families in need. Each food parcel provides a family with enough food for an entire month and contains basmati rice, groats, red lentils, brown lentils, cooking oil, white bean, salt, salsa, jam, sugar; dates, olive oil, tea, feta cheese and soap. The majority of the food distributions are carried out in Khuza’a, a beautiful Palestinian community that the surrounding conflict has unfortunately hit very hard. 

Muslim Hands

Originating in Nottingham, Muslim Hands is another Muslim international aid organization that has been running since 1993 and helping Palestine since 2007. It provides food, medical care and education to families and over the past 10 years, has raised more than £1 million for children in Gaza and reached 2,500 orphans in the region. Additionally, last year Muslim Hands provided Qurbani (the religious sacrifice of an animal during the Eid Al Adha) that fed nearly 315 Palestinian families. Also addressing the root of poverty in the region, Muslim Hands helped create 25 sustainable jobs and its agricultural production helped 100 families. 

World Food Program USA

An American organization dedicated to tackling global hunger, World Food Program USA (WFP) has been fighting food insecurity in Palestine by providing life-saving food assistance to the most vulnerable and food-insecure non-refugee Palestinians. The organization places a large focus on starting projects that, in time, offer people some financial stability during turbulent times. For example, WFP carries out a range of resilience-building activities, such as vegetable farms, greenhouses, poultry and sheep, alongside technical and vocational training for young people and people with disabilities. In turn, these activities not only provide food sources, but they also generate an income for several people.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Finally, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is also fighting food insecurity in Palestine during a crucial time of need. The UNRWA zakat program provides both food and money to Palestinian refugees, helping them get a meal on the table. In this time of crisis, access to not only food but also psychological and medical care and support are urgently needed and provided by UNRWA. 

For as long as the conflict is prevalent in Palestine, hopefully, the innocent people affected continue to receive the help they so desperately need, and in turn, over time, the poverty rates will decrease.

– Sheherazade Al Shahry
Photo: Flickr

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Community Gardens in Lebanon Reduce Food Insecurity

Community Gardens in LebanonA growing movement in Lebanon has shown that community collaboration can resolve food insecurity and poverty. Community gardens in Lebanon help people to meet their food needs amid a struggling economy.

Issues in Lebanon

The economic crisis in Lebanon became apparent in October 2019 and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened this. The 2020 Beirut port explosion compounded the crisis as did the impacts of the invasion of Ukraine. In particular, the explosion that struck Lebanon’s primary port in Beirut severely impeded the country’s food import capabilities, impacting the food security of about 6 million people, as reported by Reuters.

Human Rights Watch reports, “Rising unemployment, a depreciating local currency, skyrocketing inflation and the removal of subsidies for medicines and fuel have made it harder for many people to meet their basic needs.”  The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia estimates that multidimensional poverty rates in Lebanon rose dramatically from 25% in 2019 to 82% in 2021.

Additionally, Lebanon stands as the host for the highest number of refugees worldwide, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency — 1.5 million Syrian refugees as of 2019. The influx of refugees has only increased the pressure on Lebanon’s dwindling resources.

According to an the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, by December 2022, about 2 million Lebanese people and Syrian refugees in Lebanon endured acute levels of food insecurity.

However, amid this escalating economic crisis and against the backdrop of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict and the surging refugee population, a movement emerged. This movement aims to tackle the increasing poverty rate and guarantee equitable access to cost-free or reasonably priced agricultural products for all through community gardens in Lebanon.

The Rise of Community Gardens in Lebanon

Growing food is a reliable means of ensuring greater food security by placing the power in the hands of the people and creating a culture of collaboration, green spaces and nourishment.

What started as small individual home gardens grew into a national movement, as reported by Executive Magazine. The most notable example began in the neighborhood of Kon in Furn el-Chebbak where community members developed a community garden project in early 2020, coming together to address food insecurity by growing food as a community.

Slowly, with the help of the internet and time at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, these gardening practices to address food shortages grew. People developed online sharing platforms, tutorials and advice groups to share tips and educational information and build comradery.

In January 2020, agricultural engineers in Lebanon created a Facebook group called Izraa to provide agricultural advice and tutorials — by April 2020, the group had 14,500 members.

From struggle came possibility; a range of new gardens sprung up across Lebanon and continue to do so. From rooftops to reclaiming unused land, this movement only continues to grow. Most households utilize natural resources and methods due to the high price of chemical fertilizer. Many communities work together, dividing the work up depending on location. For example, allocating the care of sun-loving plants to south-facing households and vice versa and going on to share the produce among the community.

An unexpected advantage of this movement arose as collaborative projects cultivated a sense of unity. Specifically, gardening transformed into a vehicle for nurturing harmony among Lebanese communities that had previously grappled with cultural differences and tensions arising from the convergence of diverse individuals in shared spaces due to migration.

Looking Ahead

University of Bath student Tara El Assad tells The Borgen Project about the impact of her family’s vegetable garden in Lebanon. “My family started growing most of their fruit and veg in their garden in the south of Lebanon a few years ago to save money during the economic crisis. It’s definitely a sense of community coming together to pick our food and cook together. It’s fulfilling to have natural ingredients to feed ourselves and the children.”

Community gardens in Lebanon not only serve as examples of how independent solutions can address national problems but also show how addressing food shortages in fertile areas suited to growing food is as simple as spreading the right information and tools to those who need them. Even with no land of their own, so many impoverished communities can come together to grow their food and provide for their communities through urban gardening.

– Rhianna Cowdy
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Food Insecurity in Urban Slums

Food Insecurity in Urban Slums
Within the bustling landscapes of urban centers, where towering skyscrapers stand as symbols of progress, lies a stark reality that often goes unnoticed: the prevalence of food insecurity within urban slums. While cities may represent economic growth and technological advancements, they also encapsulate the struggles of marginalized populations residing in the shadows of affluence. This article aims to shed light on the complex issue of food insecurity in urban slums, exploring the challenges faced by these communities and examining innovative strategies aimed at providing sustenance and hope.

Food Insecurity in Urban Slums

  1. Limited Resources: Urban slums are characterized by densely populated areas with inadequate infrastructure and services. Access to essential resources, including nutritious food, remains a constant challenge for slum dwellers. Many families end up having to allocate a significant portion of their meager income to securing basic sustenance.
  2. High Food Prices: The cost of food within urban areas often surpasses the financial capacity of slum residents. The disparity between income and food prices leaves families with difficult choices, often sacrificing nutritional quality in favor of affordability.
  3. Inadequate Nutritional Intake: Food insecurity extends beyond the lack of quantity; it encompasses the lack of nutritional quality. Many urban slum residents struggle to access a diverse range of fresh and nutritious foods, leading to malnutrition and health issues, particularly among children.
  4. Unstable Livelihoods: Informal and irregular employment is common in urban slums. These unstable livelihoods lead to uncertain income streams, making it difficult to consistently secure food for families, further exacerbating food insecurity.

Innovative Strategies for Addressing Food Insecurity

  1. Urban Agriculture: Initiatives promoting urban agriculture empower slum communities to cultivate their own food. Rooftop gardens, community plots and vertical farming offer solutions for growing fresh produce within limited urban spaces, increasing food access and dietary diversity.
  2. Mobile Markets and Food Vans: Mobile markets and food vans can act as lifelines, bringing affordable and nutritious food directly to urban slums. These mobile units eliminate the need for residents to travel long distances, bridging the gap between food sources and consumers.
  3. Community Kitchens: Establishing communal kitchens or community-based food cooperatives can enable cost-effective bulk purchasing of ingredients and shared cooking facilities. This approach ensures that even those without cooking facilities can access cooked meals.
  4. Food Banks and Surplus Redistribution: Collaborations with food banks and surplus food redistribution programs redirect excess food from businesses and markets to vulnerable urban slum populations. This not only reduces food waste but also addresses food insecurity.
  5. Nutrition Education: Providing nutrition education workshops equips slum residents with essential knowledge on making nutritious choices with limited resources. Education empowers individuals to maximize the impact of the available food on their health.
  6. Social Safety Nets: Government-funded social safety net programs, such as conditional cash transfers or food vouchers, offer financial assistance to slum dwellers. These programs bridge the economic gap, allowing families to afford essential food items.

Conclusion

The specter of food insecurity looms large within urban slums, casting a shadow over the aspirations and dreams of countless individuals and families. Yet, innovative strategies can dispel the darkness. Urban agriculture, mobile markets, community kitchens, surplus redistribution, nutrition education and social safety nets offer rays of hope to those living in the shadows.

Food security is not only a basic human right but a fundamental building block for healthy lives and thriving communities. Collaborative efforts between local governments, non-profit organizations, businesses and empowered communities are crucial in implementing and sustaining these strategies. By collectively working towards addressing food insecurity, we can illuminate the path to a future where urban slum residents can step out of the shadows and into a life filled with sustenance, dignity and opportunity.

– Mihir Naik
Photo: Flickr

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How Truffle Hunting in Syria Became a Deadly Endeavor

Truffle Hunting in Syria

Syria is currently enduring one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. Tragically, 90% of Syrians are living in poverty due to a multitude of issues including damaging natural disasters, widespread displacement, destruction of essential infrastructure and conflict that has decimated the country for over a decade. Driven by extreme poverty, truffle hunting in Syria has become a popular way to make money despite the recent shootings that have plagued the desert terrain.

What is Truffle Hunting? 

Truffle hunting is an activity that involves collecting Middle Eastern black and white truffles otherwise known as Kama or desert truffles. These truffles are fatty fungi rich in protein and typically grow in desert regions of Syria and the Middle East. Desert truffles grow best in rainy weather, particularly in turbulent storms. For this reason, truffles are sometimes called “daughters of thunder,” as lightning has a special effect on the types and sizes of the fungi. After storms, truffle hunters prowl the deserts in search of Kama during the rainy season. Truffles are either hand-picked or dug up with simple tools and usually brought to various towns to be sold. There is no definitive way to price a truffle, as they are sold based on the size and estimated flavor.

Why is Truffle Hunting in Syria Dangerous? 

Truffle hunting in Syria was a beloved spring tradition and leisurely pastime. Unfortunately, truffle hunting has recently become a deadly endeavor. More than 200 truffle hunters were killed in Syria over a 70-day hunting period this past spring. Some hunters were blindsided by landmines buried in the desert ground, while others were ambushed by assailants using high-caliber guns. The deadliest attack occurred on February 17, 2023, when 53 truffle hunters were shot dead according to Syrian state media. Though their involvement hasn’t been confirmed, the Syrian State suspects that the Islamic State or ISIS — a particularly violent Jihadist organization — is responsible for the killings. Instead of abandoning truffle hunting and the unpredictable desert landscape, many Syrians are continuing this practice despite the risk. 

Why are Syrians Still Truffle Hunting? 

Today, more than 90% of Syrian civilians are crippled by poverty. Many families lack essential resources including basic needs like food and clean water. This issue is compounded by the long-lasting turmoil that has depleted resources and infrastructure, increased inflation and limited employment opportunities. Currently, the average monthly wage in Syria is approximately $18 whereas truffles can sell for more than $25. Because of this socio-economic burden, many Syrians feel compelled to attempt truffle hunting in order to make ends meet.

How to Solve the Problem

The government of Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has gained control of targeted areas. Other allied armed groups such as Iran-backed militias, National Defense Forces and the Fourth Armored Division of the Syrian Army are also involved in the protection of Syrian truffle hunters. 

Alongside defensive units, alleviating poverty would also protect Syrian civilians by reducing the need to truffle hunt altogether. Optimistically, there are several organizations working to combat poverty in Syria. 

Oxfam is one of several initiatives responding to Syria’s humanitarian crisis. Oxfam aids more than 1.5 million people by providing safe water, sanitation, food resources and support towards securing life-saving jobs. Oxfam also assists farmers in growing and distributing food.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is another organization providing support to Syrians in need of help. The IRC has more than 1,000 staff members inside Syria working to provide necessities, create safe spaces for women and children, provide counseling and mental health services, build households and promote job stability through training, apprenticeships and small business support. 

What Does the Future Hold?

While the Syrian government has stationed several defensive units in desert territories, some of these forces have taken advantage of desperate Syrians by using them as protection or coercing them into cutting profits. Moreover, the ongoing humanitarian crisis is continuing to financially cripple many Syrians. By tackling poverty in Syria head-on, the risks posed to truffle hunters can be mitigated and the Syrian population could benefit as a whole. 

– Olivia Welling
Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Fighting Food Insecurity in Zambia

Food Insecurity in ZambiaZambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa with a population of more than 19 million. The country received lower middle-income status in 2011, but poverty and malnutrition have only increased. Currently, 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, and 35% of children under 5 years old are chronically malnourished. Food insecurity in Zambia is an urgent issue, with only 52% of the population meeting their calorie requirements. Several organizations agree that the “key to improving the food security situation is to look at new methods to increase agricultural productivity.” Below are three programs working with local communities to find sustainable solutions.

Action Against Hunger 

Action Against Hunger is a nonprofit organization that aims to end hunger through prevention and treatment programs. To help eradicate malnutrition, they created the Seeds of Hope program in Zambia’s Western Province, where 82% of the population lives in poverty. The program provides local farmers with resources and teaches them “climate-smart agricultural practices.” Climate change has challenged communities that rely on farming; therefore, they need sustainable solutions that protect their crops year-round. 

Examples of Seeds of Hope projects include teaching water management, building irrigation systems and introducing drought-resistant crops. They also provide new tools and technologies, such as fishing gear and devices that capture excess carbon. Increasing food production will grow the country’s economy “by creating new markets and supporting agribusiness models,” demonstrating the many ways Seeds of Hope can make a difference. 

The World Food Program (WFP) 

Since 1.5 million smallholder farms produce most of Zambia’s food supply, the World Food Program has introduced a two-year project to help maximize their harvests. Severe droughts between 2018 and 2019 caused half the country and millions of farmers to lose their crops. The WFP’s project works with over 100,000 farmers in five districts across southern and western Zambia. Their goal is to implement “improved farming methods and crop management practices and technologies to reduce post-harvest losses.” They educate farmers on the entire harvesting process, from cultivating land and crop rotation to transportation and storage. 

The WFP gives farming communities the resources they need to sustain production quantities, such as affordable storage bags, seeds and mulch. The project has seen promising results, with locals yielding enough crops to feed their families and create revenue. 

United Nations Volunteers 

In March 2020, Hiroaki Sonoda, a United Nations Volunteer from Japan, started the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project. He came to the country as a Value Chain Development Specialist with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The project aims to resolve malnutrition and food insecurity in Zambia through economically sustainable farming. Sonoda personally “produced agribusiness and marketing information” to help communities earn more money for their harvests. 

FAO-trained officers work locally to implement marketing strategies and sustainable farming techniques. The officers collaborate with local governments to ensure that the SIFAZ project is accessible across the country. So far, the program has helped more than 150 cooperatives, totaling 16,000 farmers in 27 districts across Zambia. 

While rates of poverty and malnutrition are growing, several organizations have created programs that reduce food insecurity in Zambia. The projects provide new resources, including irrigation systems, marketing strategies and crop management, that create profitable and sustainable farming practices.

– Diana Grant
Photo: Flickr

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Food Insecurity in East Timor

Food Insecurity in East TimorEast Timor, a small nation located in Southeast Asia, is grappling with a silent crisis that continues to haunt its people – hunger. Despite some remarkable progress since gaining independence, food insecurity in East Timor remains a pressing issue for many Timorese, threatening the well-being of its population and hindering the nation’s development.

Current State of Food Insecurity in East Timor

East Timor’s history is marred by conflict and political instability, which has had profound implications for its food systems. According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022, East Timor ranks 110th out of 121 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. The GHI measures hunger on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe hunger. East Timor’s score of 30.6 places it in the category of “serious” hunger levels.

The challenges faced by East Timor in achieving food security are multifaceted. One crucial factor is the limited access to arable land. The country’s mountainous terrain and limited fertile areas make agricultural cultivation challenging. According to the U.N. Human Rights Office, only about 11% of East Timor’s total land area is suitable for agriculture, severely constraining the potential for increased food production.

Furthermore, extreme weather events pose a significant threat to food security in East Timor. The country is prone to cyclones such as El Niño, floods and droughts, which can lead to the destruction of crops and livestock, undermining farmers’ livelihoods and exacerbating hunger. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the 2021 Cyclone Seroja in East Timor alone caused an economic loss of approximately 20 to 50% of the country’s GDP with total recovery costs of $422 million (25% of non-oil GDP).

Actions Addressing the Challenges

To address these challenges, the East Timorese government, with support from international organizations and NGOs, has implemented several initiatives. For instance, The World Bank’s Timor-Leste Agriculture Rehabilitation Project, launched in 2001, aims to improve the productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers by providing training, access to agricultural inputs and market linkages for the country post-independence.

Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting the establishment of agricultural cooperatives in East Timor. These cooperatives enable small farmers to pool their resources, access credit and receive training in modern farming techniques, thus enhancing their productivity and income.

Infrastructure development is also crucial for improving food security. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been supporting East Timor in developing rural road networks and irrigation systems, totaling their investment of up to $210.83 million in irrigation and agricultural infrastructure. These investments are vital for facilitating the transportation of goods from rural areas to markets, reducing post-harvest losses and improving farmers’ access to inputs and services.

– Kent Anderson
Photo: Unsplash

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Urban Gardens and Food Insecurity in the Dominican Republic

Food Insecurity in the Dominican RepublicThe Dominican Republic’s global hunger index has been on a decline since 2000. While the Global Hunger Index report gave the country a score of 8.8 in 2022, which indicated a low level of hunger, food insecurity in the Dominican Republic remains a pressing issue.

In fact, as of April 2023, 287,000 people remain severely food insecure and 3.7 million people, or 35.5% of the population, are moderately food insecure. Food insecurity is broadly defined as a diet lacking in quality, variability or food intake. The phenomenon typically occurs in impoverished populations with no nutritional knowledge, minimal places to find food and limited finances to purchase produce. Both poverty and obesity are linked to food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Individuals living in environments with reduced nutrition are more likely to have micronutrient deficiencies and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.

The factors driving more civilians into food insecurity include the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19, the disruption of supply chains due to the war in Ukraine and the collapse of food systems from natural disasters. However, to improve the resiliency of the Dominican Republic’s food systems and to increase the accessibility of nutritious food, urban gardens could be the solution.

What Are Urban Gardens?

Cities are prime locations for food insecurity. Although the populations of urban landscapes are surrounded by different stores, their diets lack variety and nutrition. Not only is this the result of businesses selling unhealthy street foods to attract customers, but the buildings and concrete of cities make it hard to find arable land for growing produce.

Nonetheless, agriculturalists have implemented urban gardens into city landscapes to ensure residents receive a healthy variety of fresh foods. As a result of food insecurity, urban dwellers in the Dominican Republic also face health issues. Anemia, a sign of chronic undernutrition, affects 61% of children aged 6 to 11. However, by increasing household food security and food consumption with the fruits and vegetables urban gardens provide, the micronutrient deficiencies impacting children can be combated.

Urban gardens diversify the diets of individuals that would not regularly have access to produce. While providing low-income individuals with sufficient nutrients, gardening also helps people save money — up to $84 per month — by growing their own food instead of purchasing meals. Therefore, these gardens mitigate the effects of poverty on nourishment by making fruits and vegetables accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

A Future of Food Security

Individual farmers, city boards, or non-profit organizations begin urban gardens to mitigate the consequences of socioeconomic inequality in cities. With urbanization on the rise in Latin America, population growth puts more demand on food supply chains. Therefore, cities across Latin America have successfully used urban agriculture to reduce food insecurity.

For example, Havana, Cuba is leading the world in urban agriculture. Its rooftop farms and community gardens produce up to 100% of the city’s vegetables, which have increased public health. By making cheap produce more accessible, the city increased food security for its residents and boosted nutritional health.

The non-profit research institute RAND Corporation sees other opportunities to reduce food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Since residents of cities like Santo Domingo identify economic instability as the main reason for their food insecurity, increasing access to cheap fruits and vegetables would bring variety to diets.

In 2015, Mission Alpha International established a community garden in Bella Vista, Dominican Republic. By providing families with 21 parcels of land, free seeds and gardening tools and educational services from experienced gardeners, the organization supplies low-income families with a diverse diet made up of fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and eggplant.

Since the success of the Bella Vista garden, Mission Alpha International has distributed food to low-income families monthly. Through urban agriculture, the organization was able to deliver 3,500 kilograms of food to 132 families in 2019.

In the fight against hunger and food security, community gardens like those established by RAND and Bella Vista have proved to mitigate the effects of poverty on nutrition and food access. Urban dwellers are using their landscapes in creative ways to support the health and well-being of their communities.

– Meilyn Farina
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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What Is The “Social Supermarket” And How Is It Tackling Poverty?

Social Supermarket
In the fight to tackle food poverty, a concept titled the “Social Supermarket” has emerged. A social supermarket sells discounted food to those who are experiencing poverty or live on a low income, selling food 70% cheaper than high-street supermarkets.

What is the Social Supermarket?

The Observer’s restaurant critic and feature writer, Jay Rayner, explains in his article discussing the rise of the social supermarket for The Guardian that “it’s not about selling cheap food, but building strong communities.” Community First estimates that one-third of the food that the world produces goes to waste, meaning it converts to landfill and rots to produce methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. It has also revealed that “1.9 million tonnes of food is wasted by the food industry every year in the U.K.” and “250,000 tonnes of the food that goes to waste each year is still edible.” This is where the “Social Supermarket” helps.

Run by voluntary organizations working with local food producers and suppliers, social supermarkets aim to provide products at a lower cost than traditional supermarkets. Torbay Food Alliance refers to social supermarkets owning the capability to help “prevent people reaching the point where they need a food bank.”

What is the Difference Between a Food Bank and a Social Supermarket?

A food bank is an emergency support service provided to people in crisis. It lacks control over the items on offer and the food is not always fresh.

This concept aims to provide short-term support. Alternatively, social supermarkets provide a range of discounted food for, usually, up to six months. A social supermarket offers a variety of products from fresh food to toiletries and cleaning supplies.

Unfortunately, social supermarkets may soon experience high demand. As Money Magpie states, “Social supermarkets and food re-distributors have popped up in quick succession in the last few months. With food insecurity becoming a real issue for more people than ever before, the choice between heating and eating this winter is a real threat for people across the U.K.”

Who Can Use a Social Supermarket?

There are multiple social supermarkets around the U.K. for the public to use. Additionally, with 4.7 million people reported in 2021/22 experiencing food poverty, many can benefit from this service. Anyone is eligible to use a social supermarket — shoppers do not need to receive welfare benefits.

Community First has released the following statement about its work with social supermarkets: “We’re hoping that those who find themselves having to use FoodBanks have an alternative with the added benefit of taking away any stigma and providing healthy options at affordable prices.”

How Has the Social Supermarket Already Reduced Food Poverty?

The Mayor of London is funding three new social supermarkets in London, with Haringey, Enfield and Lambeth councils spending a share of £300,000 to set up the new stores. Hosting London’s very first social supermarket, Lambeth has helped 520 low-income households access discounted food and even employment; along with food access, social supermarkets also bring new jobs to underprivileged people. London Assembly explains that “the London Food Board will work to ensure that everyone in London can access good, healthy food at every stage of their lives, from new mothers to children, all the way through to older people who may be at risk of malnutrition often caused by inadequate diets.”

The social supermarket concept has helped many people overcome the struggle of food poverty. However, with 49 million people in 43 countries still experiencing food poverty and 3 billion people unable to fund a healthy, nutritious diet, there is still a need for more work.

– Katerina Petrou
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Poverty in the Bahamas

Poverty in the BahamasSince 2001, the rate of poverty in The Bahamas has increased by approximately 59%, with close to 15% of Bahamians currently living below the poverty line as of 2013. Food insecurity, natural disasters and complications associated with a tourism-based economy are all factors contributing to poverty in The Bahamas. 

Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in The Bahamas

As of 2021, 17.2% of Bahamians struggle with “moderate to severe food insecurity.” Their plight with food insecurity largely stems from the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, due to unpredictable climate conditions such as droughts and hurricanes that present challenges to agricultural success.

Only 10% of the food that people consume in The Bahamas is produced domestically, leaving the food supply vulnerable to international factors outside of the country’s immediate control. The structure of The Bahama’s food system often leads to inconsistent availability, prices and distribution of nutrient-dense foods, with residents of remote areas more susceptible to these shortages.

Globalization and the “growth of multinational food companies” have also made cheap, processed food much more accessible to Bahamians across all regions. This disproportionately high access to non-nutritious foods has resulted in mounting obesity and malnutrition, with the Caribbean region having the highest prevalence of overweight individuals in the world. Currently, 41% of Bahamian adults and 19% of Bahamian children are obese.

Housing Crisis in The Bahamas

As a country made up of islands, The Bahamas faces increased threats of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. Not only do these natural disasters wreak havoc on the country’s food supply, but they are capable of destroying Bahamians’ homes and businesses. In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck The Bahamas, a category 5 storm that demolished the homes of around 70,000 people, leaving approximately 17% of the Bahamian population without housing.

According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the overall cost of damages to Bahamian housing infrastructure totaled approximately $1.5 billion. In the hardest hit areas of the country, communities were left in complete rubble, with people seeking refuge at highly overcrowded shelters, or “in [any] houses that [were] still standing.” Rebuilding efforts were challenged with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic just months later, and there remains a considerable amount of rebuilding. 

Unemployment in The Bahamas

Maintaining a labor market predominately reliant on tourism comes with its ups and downs. Global events that halt tourism such as natural disasters and pandemics take a massive toll on the stability of the Bahamian workforce, as this specific field accounts for approximately 60% of the country’s total GDP. Since the early 1990s, unemployment rates in The Bahamas have been unstable, with more recent rises and drops happening in correspondence to events such as Hurricane Dorian and the outbreak of COVID-19.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, The Bahamas experienced an “economic contraction” of 12.5% throughout 2020, with 13% of the Bahamian labor force claiming unemployment by May 2020. Additionally, the number of households earning below the minimum wage more than doubled between January and April 2020. With the post-COVID rebound of tourism, the current unemployment rate in The Bahamas sits at about 8.8%. However for Bahamians under the age of 25, the current unemployment rate is a startling 18.7%. 

Government Actions

In January 2023, the Bahamian government announced the creation of a new National Food Policy. The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs will oversee the National Food Policy, which aims to increase food security by strengthening Bahamian agriculture. This policy will work toward “[driving] domestic investment” in agriculture by aiding and incentivizing Bahamian farmers, with the goal of establishing a sizable internal food system and making the country less reliant on food exports.

Additionally, The Bahamas has taken steps to ensure the sustainability of its growing food market by attending the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit, making the commitment to align its agricultural goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Small Home Repair Program

In the face of the massive displacement of Bahamians at the hands of Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamian government has made “significant payouts” directly to affected individuals, amounting to more than $1 million. In order to mitigate the catastrophic damage done to thousands of homes, the Bahamian government enacted the Small Home Repair Program through its Disaster Reconstruction Authority.

As of 2020, this program has allocated approximately $3.3 million to repair homes and businesses and has assisted approximately 2,000 individuals. This program has also funded further debris removal done by Bahamian contractors. Aside from assistance from the government, humanitarian organizations such as All Hands and Hearts have been working since 2019 to provide disaster relief and reconstruct homes lost in the storm. As of November 2022, All Hands and Hearts has assisted 67 households and has had more than 700 volunteers. 

The Skills for Current and Future Jobs in The Bahamas Program

While it appears that tourism may remain the predominant part of the Bahamian economy, the government of The Bahamas is working to create a labor force adaptable to other emerging markets and technologies. The Skills for Current and Future Jobs in The Bahamas Program introduced in 2019 specifically targets the most unemployed demographic, people aged 16 to 40, and teaches people essential skills that are vital to The Bahamas’ growing labor markets.

Through a 12-month apprenticeship, participants receive hands-on experience in maritime, medical and allied services and information communication technology sectors, transforming them into ideal candidates for modern Bahamian employers. The Bahamian government is also aiming to improve The Department of Labour’s internal technologies and infrastructures in order to match job-seekers to potential employers better. As this program is very young, it could take several more years for The Bahamas to record measurable results. 

A Hopeful Outlook

In addition to poverty in The Bahamas, the country also struggles with food insecurity, homelessness and unstable employment, particularly in the midst of recent pandemics and natural disasters. While there is no quick fix, the Bahamian government, U.N. and humanitarian aid organizations such as All Hands and Hearts are committed to reducing poverty in the Bahamas and keeping the country on track toward a sustainable future.

–  Reagan McDaniel
Photo: Flickr

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Power in Pulses: Using Beans To Reduce Food Insecurity

Beans to Reduce Food InsecurityFoods accessible to low-income populations often face stigma. For instance, there are many who consider food items like beans as plain or last-resort options. However, beans are far from plain. Across the globe, these legumes are staple foods in many diets, and there is compelling evidence supporting their potential to reduce global food insecurity.

Food Insecurity

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) describes a person as food insecure when they “lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life.” According to the Economic Research Service of the USDA (ERS), around 1.3 billion people in low and middle-income countries met this definition in 2022.

According to the World Bank’s 2023 data, 61.1% of low-income countries are experiencing more than 5% food price inflation. Rising food prices lead to people being unable to afford basic necessities and resorting to skipping meals, sometimes for days. Unfortunately, the cheapest foods are often the least nutritious, increasing the risk of malnutrition and diseases like diabetes. Natural disasters and geopolitical crises in developing countries can disrupt food production and trade, resulting in food shortages. Lack of sanitation can also compromise accessible food supplies, leading to the spread of diseases.

Food insecurity affects both child and adult health. The Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates for 2022 show that, globally, one in five children under the age of 5 suffer from stunting. These children are at risk of experiencing cognitive delays that impact their development into adulthood. Malnourished adults are less productive, making them more susceptible to diseases and less capable of working.

The Benefits of Beans

Beans, considered one of the “pulses” harvested for their high protein, fiber and low-fat content, offer a host of benefits to the dinner table and beyond. Incorporating beans into diets can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes. These nutrient-rich legumes provide numerous advantages, making them a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

In addition to their nutritional value, beans are a cost-effective option. Beans and other pulses are cheaper than animal-based proteins and one can store them dried or canned for longer periods of time, reducing food waste. The high levels of complex carbohydrates and fiber in beans provide lasting energy and satisfaction.

Beans are an environmentally-friendly option as compared to meat. It takes 43 gallons of water to produce one pound of pulses, whereas it takes 800 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. Moreover, beans are highly adaptable and can thrive in various weather conditions. This makes beans a practical solution for reducing food insecurity in regions that experience harsh weather conditions.

The Issue of Labels

Despite its benefits, beans still attract stigma. For many, this food is a quintessential poverty meal and is disregarded in favor of meat. In her piece on the subject, Nikesha Elise Williams recounts her husband’s perception of the food and how he felt he “had no choice but to swallow and stomach” it. Unfortunately, Williams’ experience is not uncommon. Perceptions like these create negative associations with beans and may even deter people from eating this healthy source of high-quality nutrients.

Beans Around the World

Despite the stigma surrounding beans, the food remains a part of many cultures due to its nutritional and cultural values. People cook staple meals with beans in countries like Mexico, Italy and Zambia. The following are few of the different ways in which cultures around the world enjoy beans.

  1. Frijoles De La Olla: Stewed beans form the basis of many traditional Mexican dishes, simple yet delicious and commonly served with rice and tortillas.
  2. Pasta e Fagioli: A dish of pasta, beans and sauce, part of Italy’s “cucina povera” or “peasant food” tradition, known for its simplicity and accessibility.
  3. Kabulangeti Beans: Sugar beans popular in Zambia, cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices, featured in various traditional meals and widely available.

Organizing Around Beans

Many are starting to realize the potential of beans to reduce food insecurity. There are entire organizations centering beans as a poverty solution.

Slow Food, an Italian-based organization founded in 1989, aims to ensure access to nutritious and safe food for all.” The organization’s Slow Beans network is aimed at educating people on the benefits and traditions of eating beans. In 2020, it launched the Let It Bean! campaign in collaboration with Meatless Monday. It aimed to increase knowledge of how to cook beans and support local bean producers. Slow Food started in Italy but is now active in more than 1,600 areas of the world.

The Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) is dedicated to improving food security, income and health for smallholder farmers and urban dwellers across Africa.” PABRA works in 31 countries in Africa. Its work includes breeding more resilient and nutrient-dense bean varieties, helping farmers maximize bean production in an affordable and environmentally-friendly way. The organization also helps farmers sell their beans in the world markets.

Looking Ahead

In the face of food insecurity, beans prove to be a powerful ally. Rich in nutrients and cost-effective, these legumes offer multiple health benefits while being environmentally friendly. Organizations like Slow Food and the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance are championing beans as a solution to poverty and malnutrition, promoting education and innovation to harness their potential. By challenging stigma and embracing the cultural and nutritional value of beans, communities worldwide can take a significant step toward reducing food insecurity and building a healthier, more sustainable future.

– Yesenia Aguilera
Photo: Flickr