Paraguay's Hambre Cero program increases tax dependency

The budget for Paraguay's Hambre Cero school feeding program is projected to rise from G. 1.9 trillion in 2025 to G. 3.2 trillion in 2026, according to research by the organization Reacción.

This 64.9% increase is driven by expanded coverage and rising costs per student. The annual cost per beneficiary is expected to grow from G. 2 million to G. 3.1 million. While the program has reached more students, the study warns that the National School Feeding Fund's own resources have decreased, leading to a higher reliance on tax revenue from the National Treasury.