NUTRITION

Food Security. On June 16, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published a report analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on food security in the region. In this sense, the report proposes the creation of a “Bonus Against Hunger” to assist the most vulnerable population. It is expected that in the coming months governments will promote public policies along these lines to guarantee food security for citizens.

The report states that the ” Bonus Against Hunger ” could consist of monetary transfers, baskets or food stamps to all the population in a situation of extreme poverty for a period of six months. In addition, loans for food producers could be increased and a basic investment kit (USD 250) could be created for family farmers.

Other recommendations from FAO and ECLAC include: strengthening school feeding programs; supporting the food assistance initiatives of civil society organizations; providing financial support to agricultural enterprises; adjusting health and sanitation protocols in food production and transport and in wholesale and retail markets, among others.

Next steps: FAO and ECLAC published a report on the food situation in Latin America in the context of the impact of COVID-19. The report recommends the creation of a bonus against hunger to protect the most vulnerable population and food producers. In addition, it recommends the application of public policies to promote family farming and the adjustment of health protocols in the production and transport of food. The governments of the region are expected to implement measures along these lines to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on food security in their countries.