Struggling Families in Venezuela Face Dire Food Shortages

In the midst of Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis, families are grappling with severe food shortages that threaten their well-being. In the western city of Coro, Alnilys Chirino’s small fridge and pantry reflect the desperate circumstances many face. With only a handful of peppers, wilting herbs, a kilo of rice, and some canned meat, Chirino struggles daily to stretch her meager supplies for her three teenagers.

The economic turmoil, exacerbated by changes to foreign aid, U.S. sanctions, and cuts to state subsidies, has left approximately 80% of Venezuelans living in poverty. While the situation is dire across the country, residents in Falcon, where oil refineries once provided ample jobs, have expressed particularly acute concerns regarding food availability. “We think about how to buy food, how much, and where,” Chirino stated, echoing the sentiments of many families.

Despite not facing an imminent famine, experts warn that the pervasive food insecurity in Venezuela is leading to long-term physical and mental health challenges. Nicolás Maduro, who was sworn in this year amid allegations of electoral fraud, has contributed to these worsening conditions. The government’s tightening grip on humanitarian aid has also forced many soup kitchens to close, particularly impacting children who depend on these resources.

Parents and educators report alarming trends, with children often going to bed early to avoid hunger pangs and skipping school due to a lack of food at home. The government had guaranteed students a daily free lunch, but this has become increasingly rare. “Meals stopped happening a long time ago,” said one teacher, highlighting the growing issue of school absenteeism.

Chirino is acutely aware of the impact of poor nutrition on her children. “It’s their diet,” she remarked, referring to the headaches her teenagers experience. The last time she could afford meat was in May, and the family subsists primarily on rice and beans. Juan, one of her sons, often starts his day with three rolls of bread dipped in a sugary drink, a rare treat in a household where money has lost its value.

The monthly minimum wage in Venezuela stands at 130 bolivars, equivalent to about $0.90, well below the United Nations’ poverty threshold of $2.15 per day. With the cost of a basic food basket now exceeding $500, the average family struggles to make ends meet, relying on corner stores and public markets for sustenance.

Chirino supplements her income by selling clothing and linens, bringing in about $70 a month. Her monthly government stipend is around $4, which she spends entirely on food for her family. This precarious financial situation is compounded by the diminishing aid from the World Food Program, which has reduced its support in Venezuela this year due to funding challenges.

As Chirino prepares meals, she remains grateful for any assistance that comes her way. Her local church continues to provide weekly lunches, but the overall extent of hunger in Venezuela remains largely unquantified. Dr. Huniades Urbina, a pediatrician, noted that government restrictions prevent health professionals from documenting cases of malnutrition, making it difficult to gauge the full impact of the crisis.

During a recent church lunch, children eagerly awaited the modest meal of arepas and beef. The scene highlighted the desperation many face, as some children pleaded for seconds, while others shared their food with friends. Chirino, who declined an extra arepa to ensure others could eat, reflected the spirit of community amid hardship.

As families like the Chirinos confront daily struggles to secure food, the impact of Venezuela’s economic crisis continues to resonate deeply. The challenges they face are not merely about filling stomachs; they are about preserving dignity and hope in a time of profound adversity.