Siri Battula - Department of Global Efforts
Globally, millions of families continue to face difficulties accessing nutritious meals. Food poverty is especially detrimental to the growth and development of young children. In fact, it raises the risk of stunting by 34 percent and wasting by 50 percent [1]. Alarmingly, UNICEF determines that one in four children are living in severe early childhood food poverty, with the issue being most prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The term “food poverty” encompasses not only food shortage but also a lack of diverse and nutritious components in one’s diet. Among children in food poverty, below 10% consume fruits and vegetables. Further, below 5% consume meat. On the other hand, unhealthy foods are being consumed at higher rates. For instance, 42 percent of Nepali children in food poverty are consuming high-sugar/salt/fat foods [1].
The report outlines “poor food environments for children, poor feeding practices in early childhood, and household income poverty,” as the three major factors limiting food access [1]. Suggested systemic changes include making healthy foods more accessible than unhealthy ones by increasing food industry regulation. Social protection measures to address income poverty are needed in countries with high malnutrition rates. Data systems to monitor and reduce food poverty should be implemented, especially in crisis situations. Health services should be utilized to offer nutritional support for child malnutrition, especially focusing on community-based counseling and early childhood care. Urgent change is required to ensure the healthy growth and development of millions of children.
References:
Torlesse H, Mehra V, Berbari LS, et al. Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood. (D’Aloisio J, ed.). United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); 2024. https://www.unicef.org/reports/child-food-poverty
Edited By Firas Batrash - Editor in Chief
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