Archive for category: Food Security

,

How Food Waste in Uruguay Turn Into Meals

Food Waste in UruguayFood waste in Uruguay involves more than just discarded food. It also concerns food that could reach families, children and community kitchens before losing its value. Uruguay has made progress in food security, but some households still struggle to obtain enough food. The Ministry of Social Development reported that in 2025, 13.2% of households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. The same report found that 18.9% of households with children younger than six faced moderate or severe food insecurity. This makes addressing food waste in Uruguay crucial, as food access remains challenging for the most vulnerable families.

Food Waste in Uruguay and Redalco

Uruguay’s Ministry of Environment reported that more than 1 million tons of food are lost or wasted in the country each year. The government states that food donation can help prevent edible food from becoming waste and support food security. Red de Alimentos Compartidos, known as Redalco, addresses this issue by focusing on fruits and vegetables still fit for consumption but not selected for the market.

Redalco’s mission is simple: deliver fruits and vegetables to those who need them most while reducing food waste. The organization reports that 125 million kilograms of fruits and vegetables are wasted each year in Uruguay due to factors like shape, size, color or excess production. Some food is not sold because it does not meet buyers’ typical expectations. Redalco sees this as an opportunity to connect nutritious food with those in need.

How Redalco Works

Redalco collects food from companies within the Unidad Agroalimentaria Metropolitana (UAM), Uruguay’s wholesale food market, and from farms. The team and volunteers then sort the recovered fruits and vegetables, pack them into boxes and organize daily orders for beneficiaries. Redalco delivers the food to organizations that assist vulnerable communities, including CAIF centers, children’s clubs, schools, high schools, youth centers, snack centers, community kitchens, shelters and soup kitchens.

This process is important because it organizes food rescue rather than relying on random collection. Redalco has established a system where food moves from producers and markets to social organizations familiar with community needs. While it does not solve all food insecurity issues, its model demonstrates how a local and straightforward idea can provide real support for families.

Growth and Impact

Redalco began in 2016, delivering 22,000 kilograms of food to 12 organizations. Since then, its efforts have expanded significantly. In 2024, Redalco delivered more than 1,550,225 kilograms of food and collaborated with over 400 organizations. Redalco reports that it supplies fruits and vegetables weekly to more than 400 organizations, aiding over 50,000 people. These figures illustrate how food rescue can become a substantial support system when volunteers, markets, farms and organizations collaborate.

Redalco’s impact aligns with national efforts. Uruguay enacted Law No. 20.177 to promote donations of food safe for human consumption. The law aims to support food security and reduce food waste. The country later regulated the law through Decree No. 179/025. According to Uruguay’s tax agency, the regime allows food companies, including producers, distributors, industries and stores, to donate food to approved nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. This provides structure to food donation and encourages more companies to participate.

A Simple Solution With a Bigger Meaning

Food waste in Uruguay connects poverty, food access and market preferences regarding what food appears “good” enough to sell. Redalco’s work shows that solutions do not always need to be complex. Many fruits and vegetables may look different, but they can still nourish children, families or individuals in vulnerable situations.

Instead of becoming waste, Redalco repurposes it. With over 400 organizations reached in 2024 and more than 50,000 people supported weekly, Redalco is transforming food waste into a source of nutrition and dignity in Uruguay.

– Mateo Alcocer

Mateo is based in West Hills, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Food Systems in Guyana: The World’s Most Self-Sufficient Country

Food Systems in GuyanaIn 2025, a country roughly the size of Great Britain became the only nation that solely produces all the food it requires. Located on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is the first of 186 other countries to be able to “self-sufficiently feed” its people. Improvements in food systems in Guyana have resulted in less than 2.5% of the nation being undernourished.

Food systems encompass the whole process of producing, processing, transporting and consuming food. Successful and sustainable food systems can alleviate poverty through job creation and make communities more resilient in managing challenges such as disease outbreaks. Through the development of successful food systems, Guyana has no need for imports, producing all its needs in all seven necessary food groups.

However, Guyana, formerly a British colony, has not always been this self-sufficient. In the early 2000s, the nation was considered “one of the poorest” within the Western Hemisphere. It was the global pandemic in 2019 that finally served as a wake-up call for the Guyanese state. This medical emergency exposed the country’s overreliance on imports and lack of resilience to such shocks.

Regional Oil

A major factor that enabled food systems in Guyana to improve was an oil surge into the country. This influx began in 2019, after American corporation ExxonMobil discovered vast amounts of oil in the region in 2015. Currently, Guyana produces around 650,000 barrels of oil per day, with the country projected to pump the highest amount of oil per inhabitant.

The economic effects of this oil bonanza are evident in Guyana’s GDP growth, which has increased fivefold in the past five years. By 2030, government income from oil is expected to reach around $10 billion.

However, with over half of the approximately 840,000 population still living in poverty, the profits have not yet reached enough of the Guyanese people. Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, still lacks the infrastructure to reflect the country’s financial rise. Wooden houses, poor irrigation channels and regular power cuts are symptomatic of a system that has not yet invested enough in its people.

Guyana’s Food Systems Transformation

Present-day food security stems from the country’s long-term commitment to improving its agricultural sector. This commitment began in 2009, when exports of “other crops,” such as wheat, increased by 32.4% after the government launched a “grow more food” campaign. In 2011, the creation of the Food and Nutrition Security Strategy placed a focus on the nation’s people, particularly vulnerable groups facing food insecurity.

The Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a further program introduced in 2009, aimed to ensure global climate action and biodiversity were balanced with the nation’s development. By 2030, the LCDS aims to build “climate resilience” in the agricultural sector through systems such as “climate-proof” sustainable farms.

However, 2021 was a major year in the journey to improving food systems in Guyana. A National High-Level Dialogue was held prior to the country’s appearance at the United Nations Food Systems Summit. There, obstacles to agricultural progress were identified, as well as the need to create a “food systems approach.” From the discussions, a clear objective was cited: “deliver healthy and nutritious diets to all Guyanese.”

United Nations Assistance

Since the 2021 United Nations (U.N.) Food Systems Summit, the U.N. has been essential in assisting with the strategic investment of food systems in Guyana. Today, examples of this investment can be found in the country’s remote regions, where innovations in farming techniques, such as greenhouse systems, have led to increased harvests and climate shock protection.

The benefits of these initiatives have also been reaped in an area outside of the agricultural sector. The collaborative Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) program, championed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), uses ingredients sourced from local farms. This global framework feeds around 2,500 Guyanese schoolchildren across 14 to 16 primary schools. The impact of this improved nutrition is noticeable, with children more consistently attending school.

Through investment in “dedicated training and reliable buyers,” 75 smallholder farmers, including 28 women, are being enabled to create a consistent business income. The U.N., through both food and opportunity, is helping to facilitate the revival of some of Guyana’s most forgotten communities and promote a more inclusive future.

Framework for the Future

A mission that began in 2009 has today resulted in achieving full food self-sufficiency across all essential food groups. Through novel legislation such as crop production insurance and a clear goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25%, Guyana aspires to become the food-producing capital of the Caribbean.

An ongoing large share of internal poverty, combined with external tension with the neighboring Venezuelan government, means Guyana will still face obstacles. However, by following Guyana’s framework of farmer-focused policies and global organization assistance, many other forgotten nations could join Guyana in the global spotlight.

– William Snow

William is based in Chepstow, Wales and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

What to Know About Food Systems in Fiji

Food Systems in FijiThe food systems in Fiji influence everything from public health to economic opportunity. The Pacific island nation relies on domestic agriculture, fisheries and imported goods to feed its population. While Fiji has made progress in expanding access to food, rising import costs, climate-related disasters and nutrition challenges continue to affect communities across the country. In response, government agencies, farmers and development organizations are working to strengthen food security and build a more resilient food system.

According to the Food Systems Dashboard, Fiji is experiencing an increase in diet-related health issues, including obesity and diabetes, resulting from increased consumption of imported and processed foods. While traditional diets still feature local root crops, fruits, vegetables and seafood, imported food also plays a significant role in meeting consumer demand.

Challenges in Fiji’s Food Systems 

The University of Southern Pacific reports that climate challenges, extreme weather events, natural disasters and shifting dietary habits are the leading challenges to domestic food production and nutrition. In 2023, Fiji imported $1.106 billion in crops and livestock from more than 70 countries, primarily Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia and Singapore. 

This reliance on imported foods can leave Fiji vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and rising global food prices. According to the Food Systems Dashboard, the country also faces a dual burden of malnutrition, with 7% of the population experiencing undernourishment, while obesity and diet-related diseases continue to rise. These challenges place additional pressure on low-income families that already struggle to afford nutritious food, as 57% of the population cannot afford a healthy diet.  

Poverty in Fiji

Agriculture remains an important part of Fiji’s economy and a major source of employment in rural communities. According to the World Bank, poverty affects more than 45,700 households in Fiji. Approximately 24.1% of the population lives below the national poverty line, while rates rise to 36.2% among households living in rural and maritime communities, which also experience higher transportation costs and greater exposure to climate-related disasters. When floods, cyclones and other extreme weather events damage crops and infrastructure, families often experience reduced incomes and limited access to affordable food.

Strengthening local food production can help communities increase household incomes while reducing dependence on costly imported goods. Investments in agriculture, fisheries and rural infrastructure also create opportunities for economic growth in areas where poverty rates remain highest.

Government Efforts to Strengthen Food Security

In October 2025, Fiji’s government launched its Food and Nutrition Security Policy, a consolidation of food, nutrition and climate initiatives to address the challenges of food insecurity and poverty.

Government leaders developed the framework through consultations with stakeholders to create a more coordinated approach to food production, distribution and consumption while helping communities adapt to climate-related risks. 

According to the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub, the policy supports collaboration among government agencies, researchers, farmers and development partners to improve access to nutritious food, strengthen local food production and build resilience against climate-related disruptions. By connecting agricultural development with public health objectives, policymakers expect to improve long-term food access and nutrition outcomes throughout the country.

Additionally, the International Trade Administration found Fiji’s agricultural sector to be a crucial component of its economy. Providing jobs for 83% of its rural residents, 36% of the total employed population. Despite the high financial costs and deficient access to modern equipment and technology, the government is offering tax incentives to private investors for non-sugar agriculture with a desire to provide sustainable practices, improve infrastructure and foster resident communities.

A More Resilient Food System 

Food systems in Fiji play a critical role in supporting public health, economic development and food security. While the country continues to face challenges from changing weather patterns, rising food imports and nutrition-related health concerns, government agencies and local stakeholders are taking steps to strengthen domestic food production and improve access to nutritious foods. Through initiatives such as the Food and Nutrition Security Policy and continued investment in agriculture, Fiji is progressing toward a more resilient food system that can support communities and reduce vulnerability to poverty in the years ahead.

– Ashley Belling

Ashley is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Celebs and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, , ,

Food Systems in Costa Rica: Advancing Nutrition Accessibility

Food Systems in Costa RicaCosta Rica is a hotspot of global biodiversity, containing 5% to 6% of all estimated species life on Earth despite being only 51,100 sq km (19,730 sq mi), or 0.03% of the world’s landmass. Bordered by Nicaragua and Panama, it in fact ranks third among the smallest countries in Central America, leaving the country little to work with.

Costa Rica was traditionally an agrarian export-based economy, supplying coffee, bananas and cocoa to countries around the world. However, from private-public industry diversification and policy adaptation leveraging Free Trade Zones, it is now has become one of Latin America’s largest high-value services and high-tech manufacturing providers. In short, Costa Rica is very different from the narrative one might expect. It is a modernized powerhouse, featuring growing population density, declining birth rates, steady immigration inflow and a population overwhelmingly concentrated in urban areas. It is a competitive high-income economy, particularly stark as the only OECD country in Central America, concentrated into a small biodiverse and climate-prone geographic area.

The same is true of food systems in Costa Rica. With all these factors at play, Costa Rica has faced a difficult task in achieving a robust and interconnected network of farm to fork food production and distribution in its food systems. However, rejecting assumptions once more, Costa Rica has continued to rise above expectations in developing globally-leading food system strategies.

Food Insecurity Solutions for Underserved Communities

Despite Costa Rica’s high-income status, many households still experience strong impacts from poverty. About 18% of households across the country lived in poverty in 2024, with an additional 4.8% living in extreme poverty conditions. Economic inequality has also increased according to measures of Costa Rica’s Gini coefficient (a figure which evaluates wealth distribution among a population), made even more starkly apparent by almost a third of all Costa Rican children experiencing poverty or extreme poverty conditions.

The country has worked heavily to expand food accessibility to more rural communities through the national initiative “Empowering Communities in Sustainable Agri-food Systems,” a program that the SDG Fund and UNICEF and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement supported. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health found that food insecurity in 2020 impacted 11.76% and 22.65% of households in the cities of Buenos Aires and Guatuso respectively. Efforts have therefore been especially focused on working to assist these hard-hit cities and rural communities surrounding them, in addition to reducing overall food insecurity from a national average of 16.42% of Costa Ricans without clear or quality food.

Community and Government Coordination

Multisectoral partnerships among government and community bodies are have also been a key focus of the SUN Movement, with agencies responsible for agriculture and health working alongside local governments and community organizations to create more realistic and community-centered approaches to nutrition awareness.

The SUN Movement’s efforts have trained more than 180 Costa Ricans in nutrition-awareness activities through the SUN Movement’s efforts. SUN has additionally been effective in helping to integrate integrating community-led food strategies into formal national policy, revitalizing the national food and nutrition body Secretaria de la Politica Nacional de Alimentacion y Nutricion (SEPAN) and aiding EU4SUN and Universidad EARTH to expand early childhood nutritional access and integrate Mesoamerican farming traditions into the National Plan for Sustainable and Healthy Gastronomy. Ultimately, the initiative hopes to improve agri-food system governance, sustainable production practices and Costa Rican eating habits with strategies encompassing the often-overlooked role of women, children and indigenous peoples in creating change.

Affordability and Accessibility Policy Problems

Some have still raised concerns regarding the affordability of nutrition, however, even as the Costa Rican government works to meet the United Nation (UN)’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A 2024 UN report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World found that an average healthy diet in Costa Rica costs $4.56 per day, 60 cents higher than the worldwide average. Costa Rica also features some of the highest rates of obesity in Central America due to cheap and accessible modern ultra-processed foods, underscoring the complex web of challenges Costa Rica faces in ensuring not just food access but complete quality nutrition in its food systems.

To address these issues, Costa Rica has tried innovative new approaches. In 2023, the Costa Rican government implemented a value-added tax (VAT) on food with explicitly defined positive nutritional content, becoming the first country in the world to attempt basic tax basket reform meant to encourage more balanced dietary improvements. While not entirely successful, the 2023 VAT and its subsequent 2024 amendments represent a conscious and continuous effort to address longstanding nutritional issues in the country, especially for lower-income populations more highly affected by incomplete food systems.

Costa Rica’s Robust Environmental Sustainability Efforts

Even while addressing affordability, nutritional program implementation and economic shifts away from agriculture in its food systems, Costa Rica is notably still conscious of environmental sustainability. Given the country’s diverse topography and biological life and its high concentration of volcanic sites, Costa Rica has historically been a global leader in leading environmentally sustainable climate action, despite even with agriculture accounting for more than a third of the country’s land use and a seventh of its overall employment.

Several plans, namely Costa Rica’s National Climate Change Adaptation Policy (2018-2030), National Development Plan (2019-2022) and National Decarbonization Plan (2018-2050), present the country’s ecological and environmental adaptation and carbon neutrality ambitions. Costa Rica has also developed national low-emission livestock, coffee and banana production strategies, export industries which the country still relies on heavily. It has involved significant partnerships, most notably SCALA, or Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture, a 2020-2028 joint initiative by the UNDP Climate Change Adaptation and the Food and Agriculture Organization to develop low-carbon farming systems for the country’s beef and coffee sectors.

In addition, Costa Rica has innovated sustainable direct interventions to great success. The Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program of 1997, which provided financial incentives to landowners to protect forested area, has resulted in a net negative to deforestation countrywide. Digital traceability has been improved by a $120 million initiative to modernize 10,500 small and medium agricultural producers, allowing for digital registration systems and food-tracking networks. Methods like crop rotation, companion planting and natural repellents, polyculture planting and indigenous natural nutrient cycling have all been practical strategies advocated for long-term sustainable farming.

An Optimistic Food System Future

Costa Rica’s food system combines an urbanized population and a strong agricultural export economy with ambitious sustainability goals. Despite challenges in rural food insecurity, nutritional accessibility and climate and environmental concerns, the country has managed to develop strategies focused on creating a more sustainable, healthy and resilient food system that supports both people and ecosystems. With a clear commitment to using community, policy and environmental solutions to drive change, Costa Rica appears well-suited to solving its food system shortfalls with a variety of effective and concrete means.

– Matthew Hecomovich

Matthew is based in Santa Clara, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

Poverty Reduction in Mongolia Through Social Protection Programs

Poverty Reduction in MongoliaMongolia has made significant progress in reducing poverty and inequality through its social protection programs. In 2022, the country’s tax and social assistance system reduced the national poverty rate by 1.8 percentage points and lowered income inequality by nine Gini points.

However, challenges remain, with 27.8% of the population living below the poverty line. The government continues to implement policies to support vulnerable households and improve financial security.

The Child Money Program

One of Mongolia’s most impactful social assistance programs is the Child Money Program (CMP), which provides financial support to households with children. Under the program, children receive a monthly payment of MNT 100,000 (approximately $30), deposited into an account registered in their name.

The benefit helps families cover everyday expenses and provides additional financial support for children’s needs. Today, the CMP remains one of Mongolia’s most significant social protection measures. According to a 2025 World Bank Commitment to Equity assessment, direct transfers reduce Mongolia’s poverty rate by 14.1 percentage points, with the CMP accounting for more than half of that impact, highlighting its important role in supporting vulnerable households.

The Food Support Program

Another important part of Mongolia’s social protection system is the Food Support Program (FSP), which assists low-income households. The program is particularly effective at reaching the country’s poorest populations. Although the FSP operates on a smaller scale and provides more limited benefits than some other social assistance programs, it plays an important role in ensuring support reaches those most in need.

In 2020, food stamps benefited 240,500 Mongolians, including more than 118,000 children. Women and girls made up 53% of recipients.

After revisions in 2025, the program more specifically targets those with the most urgent needs, and monthly support for low-income households, especially those with children, has increased. By targeting vulnerable households, the program helps strengthen financial security and the country’s overall efforts for poverty reduction in Mongolia.

Current Poverty Reduction Efforts

In March 2026, Mongolia launched the National Initiative to Support Household Employment and Reduce Poverty, a program designed to help low-income households achieve financial stability by addressing issues such as limited access to education, low labor force participation and poor health and living conditions. This will be done through microloans, support for agricultural production, new contributors to social insurance and other targeted services. The government is working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to reach 5,000 low-income households in 2026.

By increasing employment opportunities and providing targeted assistance to vulnerable populations, the initiative seeks to improve household incomes and independence. These efforts reflect Mongolia’s commitment to strengthening financial security and reducing poverty across the country.

Looking Ahead

While poverty remains a challenge, Mongolia’s social protection programs continue to provide essential support to vulnerable households. Through initiatives that strengthen financial security and opportunity, these efforts are helping to advance poverty reduction in Mongolia and build greater economic resilience for families across the country

– Michelle Kurniali

Michelle is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Everything You Need to Know About Hunger in Venezuela

HUNGER IN VENEZUELAFor years, empty shelves, shortages and long lines outside grocery stores defined Venezuela’s food crisis. While scarcity was once a visible sign of the country’s economic collapse, the current reality is more complex. In many cities, supermarkets and local markets now have food available. However, availability does not always mean access. Hunger in Venezuela is now largely an affordability crisis: food may be present, but millions of families cannot consistently afford a nutritious diet.

The Affordability Crisis Behind Hunger in Venezuela

The central issue is the gap between wages, inflation and the cost of food. In 2026, Venezuela’s official minimum wage remained fixed at 130 bolivars per month, while the government announced that monthly minimum income would rise to $240 through a system that includes bonuses. However, this income structure remains uncertain for many workers because bonuses do not always function as a formal salary increase. At the same time, the cost of a basic family basket remains far higher than regular income for many households.

The Associated Press reported that Venezuela’s monthly minimum wage of 130 bolivars was worth less than $1 in dollar terms in 2025. Even with government stipends, many public sector workers survived on roughly $160 per month, while the average private sector employee earned about $237, according to the independent Venezuelan Observatory of Finances. At the same time, the cost of a basic food basket exceeded $500. This means that even families with some income may still struggle to buy enough food.

As a result, families buy less food, choose cheaper and less nutritious products, skip meals or depend on credit from small local stores. In some communities, corner stores have become a survival tool because families can buy food on credit and pay later when they receive wages, stipends or support from relatives. This shows how hunger in Venezuela is not only about food supply, but also about purchasing power.

Poverty and Nutrition

Food prices make access to protein especially difficult. When prices rise, families often reduce or eliminate foods such as chicken, beef, eggs, milk and cheese. Many households rely on cheaper and more filling foods, including rice, pasta, corn flour, bread and beans. These foods may help prevent immediate hunger, but they do not always provide the nutrients needed for long-term health. Eating something is not the same as being well nourished.

This distinction is key to understanding hunger in Venezuela. Many families may not be completely without food, but they live with incomplete, repetitive and nutrient-poor diets. Health experts cited by the Associated Press explained that families reduce or eliminate animal protein first when prices increase. Poor nutrition can contribute to stunting, headaches, fatigue and other health problems in children.

The 2025 National Survey of Living Conditions, known as ENCOVI, found that 68.5% of Venezuelan households remained in income poverty, underscoring the close relationship between poverty and food insecurity. The survey also found that one in three households did not have enough food. These figures show that hunger in Venezuela is rooted not only in food prices, but also in the persistent poverty that limits families’ ability to buy a balanced diet.

Children and School Meals

Children are among the most vulnerable. Limited access to protein and other essential nutrients can affect children’s growth, immune health and cognitive development. Hunger can also affect their ability to attend school, concentrate in class and perform academically. The Associated Press reported cases of students skipping school or struggling during the school day because they had not eaten enough.

ENCOVI 2025 found that only 29% of schools with a school feeding program served food every day. For some children, a meal at school may be one of the few reliable sources of food during the day. When school feeding programs are reduced, irregular or unavailable, the impact goes beyond nutrition. It can also affect attendance, academic performance and future opportunities.

In a country where many families cannot consistently afford breakfast or lunch, school meals help protect both health and education. They also show why food security is closely tied to poverty reduction: when children eat regularly, they are better positioned to learn, stay in school and build long-term opportunities.

Basic Services and Food Insecurity

The deterioration of basic services also exacerbates hunger in Venezuela. ENCOVI 2025 found that only 10% of Venezuelans had continuous electricity and only 19% of households had continuous running water. These conditions make it harder for families to store, prepare and cook food. Even when a household manages to buy groceries, it may still face obstacles to cooking beans, refrigerating perishable products or maintaining safe hygiene.

Low income, weak public services, limited school attendance and poor access to food reinforce one another. In many cases, students miss school because there is no water, no electricity, no transportation, no food at home or because teachers are absent. Hunger in Venezuela is therefore not only a nutrition issue; it is also connected to education, infrastructure and long-term development.

A Recent Emergency Raises New Food Needs

The earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, added new pressure to a country already facing severe food insecurity. Reuters reported that the twin earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, devastated parts of La Guaira state and that the government had confirmed at least 1,943 deaths by June 30. The full scale of the disaster remains uncertain, but aid workers have warned that displacement, damaged infrastructure and disrupted markets are deepening humanitarian needs, including access to food, clean water and health care.

The disaster does not change the underlying causes of hunger in Venezuela, but it makes them more urgent. Families who were already struggling with low wages, weak public services and limited access to nutritious food now face additional barriers when homes, markets, roads and local businesses are damaged. WFP USA reported that homes, markets and food supplies in La Guaira were devastated, leaving families with little or nothing to eat. The organization said it is expanding emergency food assistance to reach up to 500,000 people in the hardest-hit areas.

Humanitarian and Community Responses

Despite these challenges, humanitarian and community-based efforts continue to provide relief. The World Food Programme (WFP) supports school meal programs in vulnerable communities across Venezuela. According to WFP, its school meals program reaches more than 330,000 people across more than 1,100 schools, including students with disabilities. WFP also reports that the program helps boost school enrollment and attendance while providing essential nourishment for children.

The recent earthquake response also shows the importance of rapid food assistance. WFP USA reported that WFP already had more than 3,000 metric tons of food in Venezuela, enough to support more than 10,000 families for two months, and that it is bringing in additional supplies. Reuters also reported that WFP is seeking $50 million to feed 500,000 people affected by the earthquakes. These figures show how existing humanitarian networks can respond quickly when an emergency increases food needs.

However, funding shortages threaten these efforts. El País reported that WFP’s operation in Venezuela was reduced from 11 states to four: Delta Amacuro, Sucre, Zulia and Falcón. The same report stated that 7.9 million Venezuelans needed humanitarian assistance in 2025, while WFP had only 15% of the funds needed to assist its target population of 5.1 million. In the area of nutrition and food security, funding reached only 7% of what was required.

These numbers show both the value and the vulnerability of humanitarian programs. School meals, emergency food distributions and nutrition support can make a measurable difference for children and families, but funding gaps limit their reach. When organizations have adequate resources, they can help families meet immediate needs while supporting children’s health, education and stability.

Local initiatives also play an important role. Churches, community groups, volunteers and family networks help support vulnerable people through food donations, community kitchens and informal aid. After the earthquakes, Venezuelans inside and outside the country quickly organized donation drives and supply networks. The Associated Press reported that Venezuelan communities in the United States collected medicine, water and food, while Reuters reported that international aid included rescue teams, medical supplies, field hospitals, food distribution and emergency funding from several countries and humanitarian partners. Pope Leo XIV also sent emergency aid through the Vatican’s charity fund.

These efforts do not solve the structural causes of hunger, but they provide immediate relief for families who cannot meet their daily food needs. In many communities, this local and international support has become essential for children, older adults, displaced families and households without stable income.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Venezuela shows that food security depends on more than the physical availability of food. It also requires sufficient income, stable public services and consistent support for the most vulnerable households. When families can see food on the shelves but cannot afford to buy it, the crisis remains real.

The earthquakes of June 2026 make that reality even clearer. A sudden disaster can quickly turn an affordability crisis into an emergency food crisis, especially when families already lack savings, reliable services and stable income. Yet the response also shows that humanitarian systems, local volunteers and the Venezuelan diaspora can mobilize quickly when communities need help.

School feeding programs, emergency food distributions, nutrition support and humanitarian aid can help reduce the short-term impact of food insecurity. At the same time, improving household income, strengthening basic services and expanding access to nutritious food are essential for lasting progress.

Continued international cooperation and local action can help protect vulnerable communities and support a more food-secure future for Venezuelan children and families. Hunger in Venezuela remains a serious challenge, but targeted assistance, stronger school feeding programs, emergency relief and sustained support for basic services offer practical ways to reduce its impact and protect the next generation.

– Adriana Carolina Herrera

Adriana lives in Mentor, OH, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

5 Charities Operating in Turkmenistan

Charities Operating in TurkmenistanTurkmenistan, like many other countries, has had their work cut out for them in their goal to end poverty and support the welfare of its citizens. Currently, 2.15% of the working population still lives on less than $2.15 a day and 46.95% live on less than $6.85, causing these people to face food insecurity and inadequate healthcare. While the government and foreign aid from other nations do their part in supporting the minorities and impoverished peoples in the country, various charities work directly in Turkmenistan to provide immediate support to those who need it. Here are five charities operating in Turkmenistan currently doing their part to help the country’s citizens.

1. The Anzal Begum Foundation

When considering all the things needed to provide direct poverty relief, the Anzal Begum Foundation helps provide the citizens of Turkmenistan support for almost all of these basic needs. Not only does it work to make sure every citizen has access to food support and clean water, but it also works to provide disaster relief, orphan care and eco-friendly power sources. The foundation originated in 2013 in memory of Anzal Begum, someone who by herself would work to help whoever she could whenever she could. Located in the United Kingdom, the Anzal Begum Foundation now serves 47 countries across Asia and Africa.

2. The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for EMEA

The newest of these five charities operating in Turkmenistan, the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for Europe, the Middle East and Africa was founded in 2024. This foundation focuses specifically on education and environmental conservation. Currently, Turkmenistan has a very high education rate with 97% of their population completing upper secondary school. Despite this, a semi-large portion of students are unable to meet their foundational reading and numeracy skills, especially in the Balkan and Lebap velayats, and only 35% of youth have at least one ICT skill (Information and Communication Technology). This charity’s goal is to provide equal education to everyone, especially youth, while also providing education and technology for citizens to support their own eco-friendly environment. Some of its main projects right now involve protecting rainforests around Africa and Asia, creating and utilizing their ‘green schools’ to educate students on eco-friendliness and promoting sustainable water reuse.

3. Hesperian Health Guides

Hesperian Health Guides is one of the most widespread charities in the world right now, with it now having reached more than 220 countries and territories. Founded in 1973, Hesperian Health Guides’ goal is to provide everyone with the medical education needed to help themselves and their community. Digital resources like A Community Guide to Environmental Health are translated into Turkmen, and the charity works directly with AFEW International and its website Saglyk.org to translate and provide additional healthcare information. Saglyk.org now has more than 2,000 accessible resources and is one of the most read Turkmen websites.

4. Support Center of Disabled People of Turkmenistan

Located directly in the country, the Support Center of Disabled People of Turkmenistan focuses on supporting and rehabilitating disabled athletes of all ages. It protects the rights, interests and social support of these athletes while also providing them with opportunities such as powerlifting tournaments. Since its founding in 2004, the charity has provided education and agricultural training, including with the building of a new greenhouse in 2019, along with its creation of training camps, a gym with modern exercise machines and an esports club. Its center now has around 330 members with access to the facilities and training.

5. The Bearr Trust

The Bearr Trust is an advocacy charity supporting health and social welfare in 12 countries across eastern Europe and western Asia. Its main focuses are supporting rights for women, disabled peoples, elderly, mental health, and socially isolated groups. Founded in 1991, it has supported almost 200 projects and disbursed €500,000 in grants to organizations looking to help reform health and social sectors while also lobbying on the behalf of these organizations too. One of these recent supported projects is Turkmenistan’s goal to improve their healthcare system by providing modern equipment to 46 clinical laboratories, continue production of medicines for non-communicable disease and building three new medical centers.

Looking Ahead

Despite laws that have made it difficult for NGOs, especially foreign ones, to help, these five charities operating in Turkmenistan continue to accomplish as much as they can in this country, leading the way for further poverty reduction and improved quality of life for its citizens.

– Ally Jones

Ally Jones is based in Bethany, OK, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

The Growth in Food Systems in Senegal

Food Systems in SenegalSenegal is located in West Africa with the Atlantic ocean on the coast and the savanna stretching inland. The food systems in Senegal are dependent on agriculture, fishing and livestock. Domestic farming supplies many people with sustenance. Senegal’s fishing industry on the coast supports cities like Dakar. 

Many people are struggling to afford food in Senegal even if it is available. Poverty has left 1.3 million people facing acute food insecurity. The people need the ability to purchase and access food. Many people living in poverty are in the rural areas of Senegal. Cities like Dakar, the capital of Senegal, are growing rapidly. There are new initiatives to make Senegal self-sufficient and less dependent on imports and foreign aid.

Food Sovereignty

Senegal is starting to implement new agricultural practices that incorporate drought-resistant crops and better irrigation. New technology and machines are being incorporated into farming. The country is striving to reach food sovereignty by increasing its productivity and building the economy. Senegal is now a lower-middle-income country.

New policies aim to help Senegal grow and reach food sovereignty. The AgriConnect Senegal Compact aims to improve the food systems in Senegal. The World Bank has partnered with the Senegalese government to work on new farming methods. Grains, horticulture and livestock are the main focus of the AgriConnect Compact. This initiative aligns with the Senegal National Agenda for Transformation 2050 and the Food Sovereignty Strategy (SSA 2025-2034).

“By 2029, the AgriConnect Compact aims to achieve more than 90% food security at the national level and create 800,000 formal jobs in the agricultural sector,” according to the World Bank. “Among the objectives set are an increase in the cereal coverage rate from 48% to 78%, rice self-sufficiency to 64%, and the establishment of 100 community-based agricultural cooperatives across the country.”

Agriculture

The food systems in Senegal rely on agriculture. Rural areas of the country focus on small-scale farming that supplies food for their families. The Senegalese women do most of the farming. They plant and harvest everything by hand. Farms are typically two to seven acres. Larger commercial farms export crops to places such as the U.K. The farmers grow vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, onions and peppers. Vendors sell the produce in markets such as Marché Tilène in Dakar.

“In Senegal, agriculture is not just an economic activity but also a central aspect of cultural identity and community life,” according to a peer-reviewed article in World. “Growth in agricultural productivity also contributes to reducing poverty. In essence, higher agricultural productivity leads to increased incomes, which can be reinvested into local communities, further enhancing rural development.”

Peanuts are one of Senegal’s biggest cash crops. Kaolack, Kaffrine and Fatick are known as the “Groundnut Basin.” The peanuts are often sold shelled and roasted. Senegal’s national dish, Maafe, is a peanut butter and tomato stew served with meat or fish over rice. Peanuts are a large part of the country’s exports that contribute to the growth of the economy. China is a major importer of Senegalese peanuts.

Fishing

Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean, where fishing supports the local community. Blue Marlin, Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna are caught and sold fresh in the markets. Inland, there is the Saloum Delta and Casamance River where locals catch tarpon, captain fish and barracuda. The fishermen are known as “The Pirogue Fleet” where they partake in artisanal fishing in the colorful boats.

The people in cities such as Dakar depend on the fish for their livelihood. Overfishing has drastically depleted the numbers of fish and devastated the people who live on the coast. The Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone in West Africa will apply new regulations concerning illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing that can lead to an increase in the fish population.

“This project will effectively and sustainably improve Senegal’s capacity to fight IUU fishing through better fisheries governance, in particular by increasing the transparency of the activities of fisheries policy bodies, through enforcement of fisheries legislation and by building capacities of stakeholders in Senegal,” according to an article by Oceans 5.

Livestock 

Livestock is a smaller portion of the food system in Senegal. The Senegalese diet mainly consists of fish and rice because meat is too expensive. Poultry makes up 80% of the livestock population. Farmers herd cattle, sheep and goats in rural areas. These herds are typically small. The climate poses a great challenge to raising livestock in Senegal. The drought, land and water all pose challenges for farmers.

“To optimize the use of natural resources such as pasture and surface water, whose availability varies throughout the year, livestock farmers are forced to move their herds around: these movements occur all the year round (nomadism) or in specific periods (transhumance),” according to a study by Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. “Because of the lack of storage facilities and infrastructure, the majority of animals are sold alive at markets all year round.”

A Growing Senegal

The impact of inflation, war and trade have increased the price of food in Senegal. The growing agriculture business has contributed to a significant decrease in the poverty rate. With time, West Africa can successfully grow into a productive, competitive economy with less poverty.

– Brittany LeJeune

Brittany is based in Livonia, MI, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Food Systems in Iran: Persisting Through Crisis

Food Systems in IranIn the bazaars of Tehran, a shopkeeper sees his aisles grow quiet as food price inflation reaches 40%. He describes a bleak moment when children enter the store to ask for basic snacks with only 10,000 tomans, which is equal to nearly $0.05 USD. This price point has seemingly disappeared from most local markets. For many families in the capital, the immediate crisis does not involve empty shelves, but rather a collapse in purchasing power that impacts the stability of food systems in Iran. 

Iran, a nation with more than 85 million people, faces significant economic hurdles that impact its ability to maintain a stable food supply. Strengthening food systems in Iran remains a core priority for the state, especially as international sanctions and changing weather patterns place pressure on domestic production. Despite these hurdles, the country continues to implement strategies to enhance the resilience of its agricultural sectors and protect vulnerable populations.

Key Facts About Food Systems in Iran

While challenges clearly exist, the domestic agricultural sector maintains several key strengths:

  • Iran equips approximately 50.1% of its arable land with irrigation systems, which is more than double the global average.
  • The value of food imports accounts for only 10% of total merchandise exports.
  • Per capita food production variability stands at 9.6, indicating a level of production strength that significantly exceeds the global average.

Overcoming Economic and Climate Hurdles

In recent years, two major challenges to food systems in Iran have emerged: intensified international sanctions and severe drought. Unlike many other nations facing insecurity, Iran does not suffer from a physical food shortage. Store shelves across the country remain fully stocked with a wide variety of goods, but international sanctions have reduced foreign exchange earnings, leading to a 40% rise in food price inflation within a single year. 

Such a sharp increase in costs places abundant food out of the financial reach of many families. These economic pressures caused staples like green lentils and vegetable oil to triple in cost. Additionally, water scarcity remains a critical threat as only 2.6% of the land is naturally suitable for agriculture. This makes a nation facing severe drought heavily dependent on irrigation. To ensure citizens have reliable access to food, the government balances domestic farming with necessary imports from abroad.

Government Support for Agriculture

To counter these challenges, the Iranian government provides significant support to the agricultural sector. Currently, the government pays more than 75% of the total cost of chemical fertilizers through subsidies. This financial aid helps farmers maintain output despite the rising costs of equipment and raw materials.

Furthermore, the government offers guaranteed purchase prices for strategic crops like wheat. By allocating energy and fuel at lower prices, the state also reduces the overall operational costs for rural producers. These actions encourage farmers to keep producing during difficult times.

Implementing the Food Voucher Program

One major solution to current challenges within food systems in Iran is the government-led food voucher program. This initiative provides targeted support for the purchase of essential commodities for low-income households. Additionally, earlier this year, officials also raised the monthly minimum wage by 60% to approximately 166 million rials to help families manage rising costs.

While inflation remains a challenge, these cash and non-cash initiatives increase consumer purchasing power and improve the equitable distribution of income. Data shows that these fiscal interventions are necessary to ensure that households can still afford necessities as prices fluctuate.

Looking Ahead

While challenges remain, government efforts drive progress within food systems in Iran. The nation clearly demonstrates its commitment to modernization by prioritizing innovation to increase self-sufficiency in the face of extreme international sanctions. Additionally, government programs like food vouchers and a higher minimum wage protect vulnerable families to ensure that everyone can afford the abundant supply.

– Nikki Rasoulian

Nikki is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Tuvalu

Poverty Eradication in TuvaluTuvalu is a small island country in the West Pacific Ocean with a small population and faces unique climate-based challenges with its development. The current basic needs poverty rate in Tuvalu is 21.5%, due to the lack of fertile land and climate-related issues affecting the local population such as many homes and crop farms consistently being damaged from storm surges. The country is especially at risk from rising sea levels and has to rely heavily on outside aid which makes development difficult due to its remote location. However, the government as well as organizations like the UN, has made considerable progress in supporting and funding innovations in poverty eradication in Tuvalu.

Land Reclamation Efforts

One of the ways Tuvalu is tackling climate issues is through reclaiming land. As Tuvalu at its highest point is only 15 feet above sea level, many communities are at risk of coastal erosion because they are too low-lying and a sea level rise as low as 8 inches could make the country uninhabitable in 100 years. A measure to solve this problem organized by the national government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project which began in June 2017.

The project aims to implement protections against coastal erosion and increasingly intense storm and wave activity. This will involve creating 7 hectares of new land designed to withstand storm surges and stay above forecast sea level rises until at least 2100. The project is set for completion in September 2026 and so far has already seen the construction of a 2,500 foot platform on the island of Fongafale to protect essential infrastructure and coastal homes. The new land can be used to relocate the most vulnerable residents and to provide government and community services on safe ground. 

Improvements in Food Security

On the island of Nui, violent hurricanes make traditional crop farming difficult and food security very uncertain. Innovative solutions are essential to ensuring food security for the small community living there. 

One of these innovations in poverty eradication in Tuvalu is the introduction of food cubes on the island, where people can plant crops in movable containers instead of in the vulnerable soil by the shore. The UNDP and International Organization for Migration (IOM) has implemented these and provided them to residents as part of the Climate Security in the Pacific Project.

The food cubes have proven to be especially effective and have provide much needed security for the crops of the 500 residents on the island of Nui. The cubes are simple to set up and are easy to move to a safer location more inland by the residents in the event of a storm. The cubes have also been successful on other Tuvaluan islands such as Nukulaelae and Funafuti where food security has also improved.

Fostering Connections to Global Institutions

Tuvalu is a very remote country, it is very reliant on aid from international institutions. With the impending risk of changing weather patterns exacerbating the poverty level in the country, Tuvalu is prioritizing forming connections with organizations that can assist with tackling climate poverty.

An example of this is the Tuvalu Second Climate and Disaster Resilience Development Policy Financing from the World Bank. While the previous initiatives have been for specific projects, this loan from the World Bank to the Tuvaluan government is to ensure the fiscal resilience of the country amidst the risks of changing weather.

The loan, as well as the strengthened ties between Tuvalu and the World Bank and other monetary organizations, provides much more financial security for Tuvaluan citizens and allows local entrepreneurs and business owners to contribute more to the island state’s economy.

Looking Ahead

These innovations in poverty eradication in Tuvalu, such as cultivating connections with international organizations, can help to ensure a safe and secure future for the country and its citizens.

– James Holder

James is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash