Venezuela: 71% of population unable to afford healthy diet

Approximately 71% of Venezuelans lack sufficient income to afford a healthy diet, according to research cited by Luisa Molina, a professor at the Center for Agri-Food Research (CIAAL) of the University of Los Andes (ULA).

Molina noted that while food availability has improved and some income recovery has been observed, availability does not equate to access. Many households still lack the financial resources to purchase the products available in stores. This economic barrier has shifted consumption patterns toward higher intakes of carbohydrates, oils, sugars, and fried foods, while reducing the consumption of animal and vegetable proteins. Such dietary shifts increase the risk of health issues like obesity and diabetes.

Furthermore, infrastructure challenges including power outages, poor road conditions, and rising distribution costs contribute to food loss, particularly among perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. Molina also highlighted a critical lack of updated official statistics, noting that official agricultural publications have been suspended since 2008. She noted that while official figures suggest a reduction in undernourishment, specialized organizations like the Bengoa Foundation have questioned these estimates due to a lack of methodological clarity.