Better Nutrition
According to the latest FAO figures, the prevalence of undernourishment and food insecurity decreased globally after several years of decline. Although hunger had increased dramatically between 2019 and 2021—largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the global prevalence in 2024 was estimated at 8.2%, a decrease of 15.2 million people compared to 2023 and 22 million compared to 2022.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, undernourishment decreased for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 5.1% of the population in 2024. Despite these improvements, 33 million people suffer from hunger; 167 million suffer from food insecurity; 181 million cannot afford a healthy diet; and 141 million adults live with obesity. The transition towards healthy diets, greater food security and better nutrition for the most vulnerable is a regional priority.
This pillar seeks to eradicate hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition in all its forms, by promoting nutritious foods and increasing access to healthy diets through five priority programmatic areas (Healthy diets for all; Nutrition for the most vulnerable; Safe food for all; Reduction of food loss and waste; and Transparent markets).
Programme Priority Areas
News
Events
2/12
2025
Report Launch “Improving food security and nutrition through local public food procurement from smallholder farmers”
Virtual Event, 02/12/2025
Local public procurement of food from smallholder farmers is a strategic tool that contributes to food security and nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a region marked by inequalities, rural poverty, and the high cost of healthy diets, this public policy is able to link state demand with local supply, promoting more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food syst...
22/10
2025
Committee on World Food Security
Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Italy), Hybrid Event, 22/10/2025
School Meals Programmes are key strategies to address food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among school-age children and adolescents.
29/9
2025
1/10
2025
Workshop on Measuring Food Losses in Latin America and the CaribbeanOnline Event
Virtual Event, 29/09/2025 - 01/10/2025
Did you know that 13% of food was lost in 2021 between harvest or collection and its arrival on the shelves? This equates to 931 million tons or 120 kilograms per capita.
Publications
Improving food security and nutrition through local public food procurement from smallholder farmers
2025
The document presents succesful experiencies in the region, evidencing positive impacts on agricultural production, food diversification, local employment, and the inclusion of women, alongside a greater supply of fresh and minimally processed foods in favour of a better nutrition.