# Paraguay Hambre Cero program funding issues

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paraguay-hambre-cero-program-funding-issues
> Updated: 2026-10-28T13:48:36.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The Hambre Cero school feeding program in Paraguay is facing significant financial challenges. Initially, the Chamber of School Feeding of Paraguay (CAEPY) reported that providers were experiencing payment delays of 90 to 120 days from state and departmental governments. This resulted in an estimated debt of approximately USD 90 million, threatening the sustainability of contracted companies and impacting thousands of workers and small enterprises.

Subsequent analysis indicates that the program’s budget is projected to increase by 64.9%, rising from G. 1.9 trillion in 2025 to G. 3.2 trillion in 2026. This growth is attributed to expanded coverage and higher costs per student. However, research suggests that the National School Feeding Fund’s own resources have declined, leading to an increased dependency on tax revenue from the National Treasury.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Paraguay's Hambre Cero program increases tax dependency

Paraguay's Hambre Cero school feeding program budget is set to rise to G. 3.2 trillion in 2026, increasing reliance on tax revenue due to higher costs and expanded coverage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguays-hambre-cero-program-increases-tax-dependency

### 2026-10-22: Paraguay school food providers report 90-day payment delays

Paraguay's school food providers report USD 90 million in overdue payments, threatening the sustainability of the ‘Hambre Cero’ program and thousands of jobs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-school-food-providers-report-90-day-payment-delays

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Cite as: Paraguay Hambre Cero program funding issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paraguay-hambre-cero-program-funding-issues