Did you know that food is a basic human right? Caribbean countries have devised a way to curve food shortages by implementing food programmes. These programmes were created to help the impoverished and provide nutritious meals to others. Food Programmes in the Caribbean have been implemented throughout the last few years, to ensure that at least children of these households have a few meals before they go home.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 40% or an estimated 2.8 million people are suffering from food insecurity. This increase in food insecurity has had many factors like the resulting pandemic for two years, with 25% of people who eat less preferred food, 30% eating less or skipping meals and 5% who go without eating an entire day. Moreover, 93% of affected people couldn’t eat due to high food prices. Subsequently, the ongoing crisis because of the Ukraine/Russia war has negatively impacted the cost of basic services and goods in the Caribbean.
While these negative impacts have impacted Caribbean countries, food programmes are a bright light in the Caribbean. Daily, a meal service distribution form is completed by drivers who are dispatched to schools. Its information can determine the number of schools served, meals delivered, utensils returned, a daily food satisfaction log and a menu evaluation form. Currently, there are many countries that have School Feeding Programmes.
Furthermore, the Caribbean COVID-19 Food Security and Livelihoods Impact Survey was launched by CARICOM to gather data on food security, access to markets and impact on livelihoods. It was implemented by the World Food Programme with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization and its currently in its fourth survey round, which includes findings for all Caribbean countries covered by the survey.
Read more from our sources below!
CARICOM – Sharp Rise in Food Insecurity in Caribbean, Survey Finds
PAHO – Health Ministry, PAHO Renew Calls for Healthy Lifestyles
World Food Programme – Caribbean COVID-19 Food Security & Livelihoods Impact Survey – Round 4 – February 2022
FAO – A review of school feeding programmes in the Caribbean Community
CARPHA – World Food Safety Day
