Food Insecurity Hits 40% in Belize Amid Rising Costs and Climate Strain

According to the 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, Belize is among the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean most affected by rising food insecurity and the inability to afford a healthy diet.

From 2021 to 2023, over 40% of Belize’s population faced moderate or severe food insecurity, highlighting the country’s vulnerability within the Mesoamerican region. These rates are a stark reminder of the growing impact of external shocks on local livelihoods and food systems.

According to the report, the cost of a healthy diet in Belize rose sharply from 2.83 PPP dollars per person per day in 2021 to 3.10 in 2022. This increase has placed a nutritious diet further out of reach for most Belizeans. Alarmingly, 61.8% of the population in 2022 could not afford a healthy diet, one of the highest rates in Mesoamerica.

Despite high levels of food insecurity, Belize recorded a relatively low prevalence of undernourishment at 4.6% for the 2021–2023 period. This positions Belize as one of the least affected countries in Mesoamerica in terms of calorie deficits, but the figures do not capture broader challenges such as access to diverse and nutritious foods.

The report notes that Belize has taken proactive steps to address these challenges. The National Food and Nutrition Security Commission plays a crucial role in planning and coordinating policies aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition. However, the persistent impacts of climate variability and rising food costs underscore the need for more targeted interventions and investments to bolster resilience.

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods have disrupted agriculture and food supply chains in Belize. These disruptions, coupled with global economic challenges, are intensifying local food insecurity. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in rural and low-income communities, are disproportionately affected, with limited resources to adapt to rising food costs and worsening climate impacts.

The report highlights the need for Belize to strengthen its resilience to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices, improved food systems, and increased support for vulnerable groups. Regional collaboration will also be essential to addressing shared challenges and securing food systems for future generations.