Archive for category: Food Insecurity

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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

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The UN Calls for Debt-Poverty Pause as Global Poverty Rates Rise

Debt-Poverty Pause
The United Nations (U.N.) has called upon global finance ministers to provide a debt-poverty pause for impoverished countries. It has emphasized the need for funding to go toward social programs that will help reduce poverty, rather than toward repaying debts.

A Global Poverty Crisis

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic, paired with the subsequent rise in inflation and borrowing costs, has resulted in an additional 165 million people falling into poverty. The UNDP says that more than 20% of the population worldwide is living on less than $3.65 a day, making it difficult for them to afford basic necessities like food.

In response to the pandemic and the rise in costs of food and fuel, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many low-income countries resorted to substantial borrowing. This situation strained their economies as it affected agricultural commodity supplies and led to energy prices reaching close to record levels.

According to the UNDP, approximately 25 low-income countries spent more than 20% of their revenues on debt servicing in 2022. This is the highest number of countries surpassing this threshold since the beginning of the century. This rate can also continue to rise if global interest rates increase further. Debt interest payments account for more than 10% of the general government revenue in 46 countries, and developing countries owe around 30% of the worldwide $92 trillion of government debt. Costs associated with servicing debts are rising quickly, attributed to the actions of the world’s influential central banks, which are raising interest rates in response to the rapid increase in inflation rates.

The rise of interest rates means that poorer nations now spend two or three times the share of their revenues on paying back their debt compared to wealthier countries. Impoverished countries also spend about two times more on interest payments than public assistance and social support programs.

The UNDP Pushes for a Debt-Poverty Pause

The UNDP says that low-income countries need reprieves from repaying their debt to alleviate the repercussions of rapidly increasing borrowing costs. It urges countries burdened with debt to allocate resources typically used for debt servicing toward mitigating the social effects of economic shocks. This approach aims to alleviate some of the adverse effects on society due to these shocks so that the focus can be on poverty reduction.

Looking Forward

The United States (U.S.), the European Union and the other members of the Group of 20 (G20) recently met to discuss global solutions, including debt restructuring and global poverty. However, the debt restructuring discussions made very little progress during the finance meeting of the G20 countries in India.

The UNDP continues to push for debt alleviation to fight global poverty. So far, there have been some elements of international financial activity aiming to increase focus in terms of financing poverty reduction and social programs. However, western countries and the G20 still have work to do. The UNDP has urged Western countries to give developing countries the debt-poverty pause they require to focus their financial efforts on alleviating poverty in their communities.

– Marisa del Vecchio
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK

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According to the Independent, as of March 2022, 14.4 million individuals resided in low-income households in the U.K. Although this figure has decreased to pre-pandemic levels of 13.4 million, the impact of high living costs and inflation persists, affecting a significant portion of the population. Among those most affected are children and ethnic minority families, who often lack the necessary resources to provide proper nutrition and ensure a good night’s sleep, crucial for school readiness. Recognizing that education serves as a proven pathway out of poverty, it becomes imperative to address issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K. to support children’s success in school and secure their future prosperity.

Food Poverty in the UK

Children experiencing food poverty do not have the same access to food options as their peers. Rising food prices in the U.K. have made it difficult for many households to afford essential, nutrient-rich foods. According to data from January 2023, 17.7% of households in the U.K. could not afford a day’s worth of food, as reported by the Commons Library.

Bed Poverty in the UK

Limited access to safe sleeping arrangements also puts children at a disadvantage. During a House of Commons debate on child bed poverty, Kim Leadbeater, a member of the U.K. Parliament for Batley and Spen, highlighted that at least 163 pupils in the Batley & Birstall Excellence in Schools Together group of 21 schools do not have their beds. The lack of a bed affects a child’s family life, personal growth and education.

The Importance of Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK

Sleep and nutrition are essential in ensuring children’s well-being and future success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting proper sleep at night helps students stay focused, improve concentration and enhance academic performance. The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes the connection between nutrition and sleep, stating that healthy eating habits promote better sleeping patterns. Unfortunately, nutritious food and a secure sleep environment are limited for children from low-income homes.

Food and sleep significantly impact a child’s education. Zarach, a charity in the U.K., focuses on addressing food and bed poverty to ensure that children come to school ready to learn.

What is Zarach?

Zarach is a charity dedicated to helping children experiencing poverty in the U.K. Initially established in Leeds, it has expanded its services to Dewsbury, Romford, Calderdale, Huddersfield and Stockport. Through partnerships with schools, Zarach aims to provide beds and essential resources to help children arrive at school prepared to learn. Education serves as a crucial stepping stone toward providing opportunities that can change a child’s future. Zarach supports children through its projects, enabling them to succeed.

How Zarach Works With Schools and Families to End Bed Poverty in the UK

Zarach collaborates with schools to identify instances of bed poverty and refer families to its programs. In addition to providing referrals, Zarach works with schools to raise awareness about families experiencing poverty through assemblies, fundraisers and bundle collections.

Children need support at home to improve their opportunities in the classroom. The essentials provided by Zarach give children the opportunity to grow in school. Zarach hopes to help families transition from focusing on survival to self-sustenance.

“Every Head a Bed”

This project focuses on providing bed bundles and food packages to families living in poverty. Children need stable access to healthy meals and a safe bed to sleep in every day. Without these essentials, children struggle to grow.

“We are here to bring lasting and positive change to those children growing up in the grips of poverty crisis through bed bundle deliveries, tailored support packages, raising awareness, advocating policy change and galvanizing people and resources across the U.K.”

Looking Ahead

In addressing the critical issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K., organizations like Zarach are making a tangible difference in the lives of children experiencing poverty. By providing essential resources, such as nutritious meals and safe beds, Zarach supports children’s well-being and educational success. Its efforts not only alleviate immediate hardships but also work toward breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering a brighter future for these young individuals and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

– Ellie Bruce
Photo: PxHere

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Improving Food Security in the Philippines

Food Security in the PhilippinesThe Philippines, a Southeast Asian country that is famous for its cultural richness and diverse landscape, struggles with a significant poverty rate of 18.1%. One of the factors contributing to this high percentage is the lack of food security in the Philippines. According to the UN, “the Philippines recorded the highest number of food insecure people in Southeast Asia from 2017 to 2019.” This insecurity stems from unpredictable weather patterns and social inequality.

The Role of GMOs in Improving Food Security

To combat food insecurity, various agrochemical companies have been genetically modifying crops globally since the 1990s. The Philippines has been actively involved in approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for commercial use, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, Bt eggplant, and golden rice.

Golden Rice: A Solution to Vitamin A Deficiency

Golden rice, named for its golden-orange appearance, gained approval in 2021 due to its rich content of beta-carotene, a vital nutrient that a third of preschool-aged children are deficient in. The introduction of golden rice aims to reduce visual impairments and digestive issues that are a result of low vitamin A intake.

Positive Impacts of GM Technology

Beyond addressing nutrient deficiencies, GM technology offers various positive impacts. By utilizing GMOs, the use of chemical pesticides could be reduced by 37%, thus minimizing the environmental impact. Some reports have linked artificial pesticides to diseases and behavioral changes in animals, resulting in decreased reproduction and survival rates.

Controversy Surrounding GMOs

Despite the potential benefits, opposition to GMOs remains strong. Concerns about the sustainability of genetically modified crops have led to a recent Supreme Court writ prohibiting their commercial release.

Wilhelmina Pelegrina, the Southeast Asia strategy and analysis director for Greenpeace, stated in a press release that this decision “is a win for farmers and Filipinos who have long opposed genetically modified (GM) crops and the harm they bring to the people and the environment.”

The press release voiced the concerns of many GMO skeptics who argue that the Department of Agriculture should be prioritizing ecological agriculture in a way that equally addresses the needs of the farmers and access to nutritional food. Greenpeace suggests that the Department of Agriculture’s funding of GMOs only benefits larger corporate interests as opposed to the interests of the poor.

The Path Forward

With an anticipated surge in food demand by 2050, addressing food security becomes imperative. In Addition, the discourse between activists, lawmakers and the government could play a crucial role in determining the future approach to farming. As things stand, balancing the need for food security with concerns about GMOs remains an ongoing challenge in the Philippines.

– Christian Vince
Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Food Insecurity in Ukraine 

Food Insecurity in UkraineSince Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the country has experienced several disastrous side effects that threaten the livelihoods of its people. The most pertinent issue at hand is the dangers to food security. With intense fighting on the frontlines and a myriad of reasons not to leave their homes, many people living on the front lines now struggle against food insecurity in Ukraine. In light of this, many institutions like the World Food Programme (WFP) have dedicated their efforts to fighting against food insecurity.

How Did Things Get Here?

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a constant in world news since 2014 when Russia forcibly annexed Crimea from Ukraine and kickstarted the Donbas War. The 2022 full-scale invasion by Russia, however, proved to be the tipping point for several problems worldwide. Food insecurity especially is a growing problem in Ukraine and around the world.

Ukraine provides up to 30% of the world’s wheat and barley supply, an industry that has now been disrupted in the wake of Russia’s attack. Many people, both in Ukraine and around the world, have resultantly struggled with attaining food, either due to struggling supply chains in Ukraine or hikes in food prices in many countries.

The front lines of the conflict especially have been at risk of food insecurity in Ukraine. An estimated 40% of people in regions affected by the war struggle to get satisfactory amounts of food. Both the conflict and insufficient food supply are likely to increase poverty in the region.

To make matters more complicated, the recent collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam on June 6, 2023, has swathed critical farmland in flooding water. Detritus from the dam has also let contaminants taint the water, stifling the distribution of seafood and fish as another food source.

Because of the war and these compounding issues, the dangers of food insecurity in Ukraine have increased. There are, however, many efforts to combat this problem.

Fighting for Food Security and The WFP

The breakout of the conflict led to one of the biggest humanitarian efforts in the world, with many countries and institutions providing different forms of aid to Ukraine. In fighting food insecurity in Ukraine, Argentina helped deliver 1,500 tons of food to Ukraine alongside other necessities such as clothes and medicine.

Perhaps the biggest organization fighting against food insecurity in Ukraine, however, is WFP; an organization dedicated to fighting world hunger in any situation. The WFP works to provide support in food and cash to 3 million people in Ukraine each month. Its efforts include delivering rations to those in high-conflict zones as well as removing mines from farm plots to increase agriculture production.

Since the beginning of 2023, the WFP has delivered over 91,869 metric tons of food and over 4 million in rations to Ukraine. The recent collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam has seen a quick response by the WFP, with 148,000 rations delivered to those affected by the flood. The WFP plans further assistance to those in need through additional means of transporting food, including boats.

In addition, the WFP has teamed up with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to establish the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster. The FSL Cluster helps to coordinate several other organizations in food security response within Ukraine, including U-Saved and the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR). SPIR itself follows second to the WFP in terms of food distribution, bringing food to over 484,000 people near the front lines as of April of this year.

A Continuous Struggle

For now, the war continues, and food insecurity in Ukraine remains an issue. Through the efforts of groups like the WFP, however, many people within the country receive critical food assistance that saves them from hunger every day. Though the conflict may remain for the immediate future, the efforts of those fighting to keep people fed in Ukraine spell hope for those seeking a future without food insecurity.

– Kenneth Berends
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Share The Meal – The App Eliminating Food Insecurity in Haiti

Eliminating Food Insecurity in Haiti
In an age where technology and electronic devices are at many people’s fingertips, global inequities can appear even starker — as William Gibson stated, “The future is already here, it’s just not evenly distributed.” The world’s 2 billion smartphones outnumber its hungry children by 20 to one. But apps such as Share The Meal are pioneering new ways to use the power of our smartphones to help those living in poverty and food insecurity.

Food Insecurity in Haiti

As the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, Haiti’s poverty rate reached almost 60% in 2020, and it is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world with regard to food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), almost half of the Haitian population — 4.9 million people — are underfed, and 1.8 million are at dangerous levels of food insecurity. Because of this, children are malnourished and underweight, and 66% of children under the age of 5 are anemic, affecting their early-stage development.

One of the main reasons for food insecurity in Haiti is poor agricultural performance. Although roughly two in three people in the Haitian workforce have employment within the agricultural sector, agriculture only actually accounts for 25% of Haiti’s gross domestic product.

More than 40% of Haitian land is under cultivation although only 20% of its land is even suitable for agriculture. Poor soil quality and soil erosion are among the leading problems with the land, and environmental issues such as droughts and lack of irrigation make it difficult to grow crops on land which does not have soil issues.

Haiti, therefore, relies heavily on importing food, which exposes its food market to price rises and inflation from the international market. The food insecurity situation has been desperate in recent years, but this could all change due to the development of an app eliminating food insecurity in Haiti.

Share The Meal App

The United Nations World Food Programme is helping people connect with the fight to end world hunger via a smartphone application called Share The Meal. Users of the app can support relief campaigns in poverty-stricken places all over the world at the touch of a button, whether they give one meal or one year’s worth. One meal that the WFP supplies costs only $0.80 (USD) or £0.65 (GBP), and according to WFP data, more than 150 million meals have been shared since the launch of the app in 2015.

The WFP aims to reach and support 512 million people via Share The Meal in 2023. The app allows users to choose a campaign or “goal” to donate to, which gives recipients nutrition support, agricultural support, school meals and emergency assistance depending on their needs.

Eliminating Food Insecurity in Haiti

Many people are choosing to support eliminating food insecurity in Haiti through Share The Meal’s “Improve Food Security for Families in Haiti” campaign. Haitians taking part in this poverty-fighting initiative receive cash support from the WFP donations to build protective measures for their agricultural sector, such as restoring local ecosystems to act as barriers to the climate, soil and water conservation efforts and providing local farmers with essential training on how to boost agriculture.

The WFP, with Share The Meal, is building more long-term solutions in Limbé in the Nord Department of Haiti, so people have better access to food and water, and food production is more steady and sustained. Repairing irrigation canals and planting trees such as pineapple and elephant grass are helping to reduce flooding and protect existing crops, allowing for the successful cultivation of more crops. This has promoted more sustainable ecosystems and facilitated a better standard of nutrition and is gradually eliminating food insecurity in Haiti. Funds that Share The Meal raise have also allowed for a 6,000-gallon reservoir to be built, which is providing locals with access to clean drinking water, as well as a reliable source of water to tend their crops.

The Haitian government is also working with WFP to provide school meals from local agricultural produce. This system involves the procurement of rice, fruit and vegetables from smallholder farmers, which gives them not only a more stable market for their goods but allows them to contribute to the nourishment of local children and help with eliminating food insecurity.

Overall, Share the Meal is working not only to improve food security, but it is equipping Haitians with the tools they need to strengthen their agricultural knowledge and resources, which is eliminating food insecurity in Haiti due to the shortcomings of the agricultural sector. The success of this Share The Meal campaign is a reminder of how impactful our decisions as smartphone users can be, and how technology can help in the fight against global poverty.

– Molly Wallace
Photo: Flickr

Addressing Soaring Rates of Food Insecurity in Afghanistan

Food Insecurity in AfghanistanAcute food insecurity plagues a staggering 19.9 million people in Afghanistan, calling for urgent humanitarian assistance, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). A sovereign state in the heart of Central Asia, Afghanistan shares its borders with Iran and Pakistan. Since the departure of international forces and the subsequent coup by the Taliban, the country’s economy has been in decline. Furthermore, access to developmental aid and resources has been limited, heightening the risk of widespread famine and posing a grave threat to the nation. Fortunately, several national and international parties are addressing the urgency of the situation and working to alleviate food insecurity in Afghanistan.

The Current Reality

According to the 2023 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, an alarming 40% of Afghan citizens, or about 17.2 million people, were suffering from crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity (Phases 3 and 4) as of April 2023. While that figure was expected to drop to about 15.3 million people between May and October 2023, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently reported that, among those currently suffering from food insecurity in Afghanistan, an estimated 3.2 million children and 840,000 pregnant or lactating women are acutely malnourished. With undernutrition accounting for the deaths of an estimated 3 million Afghan children annually as of 2021, the current situation is dire.

Challenges and Ramifications

Natural disasters have exacerbated food insecurity in Afghanistan in recent years. For instance, in 2018 and 2019, the country suffered flash floods and droughts that had a detrimental impact on the lives and livelihoods of more than 350,000 people. These disasters damaged agricultural infrastructure and croplands, leading to a shortage of affordable, easily accessible nutritious foods.

Furthermore, heavy snow accumulation during the winter season obstructed roads, worsening food shortages and hindering resupply efforts. Coupled with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such disasters have left swelling numbers of Afghan households and individuals unable to fulfill their nutritional requirements due to insufficient availability of food.

Additionally, UNICEF reports that mothers lack the nutritional education to understand the food needs of themselves and their children. According to UNICEF, just 50% of Afghan babies are breastfed for the recommended duration of six months and only about 12% of 6-24-month-old infants receive the requisite daily nutritional intake during this crucial development phase. Consequently, as of 2021, the mortality rate for Afghan children under the age of 5 was 56 per 1,000 live births, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Evolving Measures

However, since 2021, the Government of Afghanistan has been collaborating with the United Nations and other partners to implement initiatives that address malnutrition and famine in Afghanistan. These programs prioritize child-centered intervention, encompass strategies for mitigating severe malnutrition and aim to promote the consumption of fortified meals among families.

For example, one of the objectives of the government’s Kabul Declaration is to reduce the rate of stunting among children 5 years and younger to 10% by 2030. The approach to achieving this goal prioritizes key factors such as the promotion of nutrition, the enhancement of maternal nutrition, the improvement of feeding practices for infants and young children and the provision of essential micronutrients.

The WFP has also been providing vital food and nourishment that is helping to alleviate food insecurity in Afghanistan and save lives. In 2022 alone, the WFP’s food assistance aided 23 million Afghan people, including more than one million children and more than 500,000 expectant and lactating mothers.

Changing Lives and Providing for a Better Future

Recent sanctions and reductions in humanitarian assistance have heightened the threat of food insecurity in Afghanistan. With famine consuming the country at an alarming rate, the efforts of the Afghan government, the U.N. and the WFP have been critical for mitigating the crisis. Still, there appears to be room for more effort to address the famine and food insecurity that millions across the country face. Such additional efforts could be vital for alleviating hunger and malnutrition in Afghanistan and ensuring that its citizens have a fair chance at life.

– Valentina Ornelas
Photo: Flickr

Debit Cards in Indonesia to Reduce Food Insecurity

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 22.9 million Indonesians lack access to enough food to meet their dietary requirements in 2023. Additionally, World Bank statistics show that the poverty rate in Indonesia stood at around 9% in 2022. In order to address hunger and food insecurity in the nation, Indonesia’s government introduced special debit cards in 2018 to help individuals facing financial struggles get access to more food to meet their food needs. Although many people around the world may find themselves using personal debit cards in the traditional manner, the Indonesian government is making use of debit cards in Indonesia creatively, to address the basic food needs of the country’s most impoverished people.

Traditional Method of Distribution

Indonesia’s government developed its food aid program called Rastra in 1998 to target about 15 million families in need of food assistance. At the time, the food aid program aimed to provide each household with a 10-kilogram bag of rice. The Indonesian government would send the bags of rice to poor villages, where local leaders would be responsible for distributing the bags to impoverished residents every month. However, the distribution system was not without its flaws. According to USAID, “Under the old system… people received the full intended amount of food only 24[%] of the time, most likely because portions of the rice were given locally to many people not officially eligible for the program.” As such, the traditional method of distribution lacked effectiveness and saw success only in part.

New Method: Debit Cards

About five years ago, the government of Indonesia introduced debit cards, which work as a sort of digital food voucher and gives the impoverished the “ability to purchase food themselves rather than rely on the government to deliver rice to them,” says USAID.

An article by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) highlights that “in 2017, the Indonesian government decided to try the debit-card system. At neighborhood shops, people could use their cards to purchase both rice and eggs, at a value level commensurate with the 10-kilo rice bag.”

This ensures that impoverished households receive the full amount of food aid that they require. In fact, according to researchers from MIT, 81% of Indonesians have been able to receive the amount of food they’re eligible for under this new debit card food provision strategy.

Positive Outcomes

Through a randomized controlled study, MIT researchers found that the debit card strategy of food provision has proved successful so far. The MIT researchers concluded that utilizing debit cards in Indonesia to address food insecurity and carry out the objective of the Rastra food aid program has helped reduce the overall poverty rate for the 15% of the most destitute households in Indonesia by about 20% over a five-year period, according to MIT News. Furthermore, according to the Global Hunger Index, between 2014 and 2022, undernourishment among the general population in Indonesia declined from 7.9% to 6.5% and stunting among children under 5 in Indonesia reduced from about 36% to 30%.

A similar innovative food distribution system in other developing countries could help boost the impacts and reach of food aid programs to reduce food insecurity nationwide.

– Parth Patel

Photo: Flickr