Within the framework of World Hunger Daythe food situation in Argentina is still alarming, especially for childhood. Although the country produces sufficient foods to supply more than 400 million peoplemillions of boys and girls face the lack of adequate diet daily.
“This paradox reveals a deep inequality in access to food and highlights the urgent need for effective policies that guarantee the right to adequate nutrition for all,” affirmed Fernando UrangaGeneral Director of Banco de Foods Buenos Aires.
Although these figures represent a decrease with respect to the first semester of the same year, when poverty was 52.9% and indigence in 18.1%, the situation remains critical.
Moreover, extrapolated to society, this implies that Poverty reached about 17.9 million Argentines, while Unis 3.9 million are in destitution, that is, they do not reach the means to feed and dress.
Hunger in childhood, the worst of realities
Particularly worrying is the situation of childhood. A UNICEF Argentina report reveals that more than 7 million girls and boys live in poverty.
In addition, every day, One million children go to sleep without dinner, and 1.5 million skip some food during the day due to lack of resources in their homes.
The survey also indicates that about 10 million children consume less meat and dairy compared to the previous year, reflecting the difficulty of many families to cover basic food expenses.
Hunger: In the short term, what effects produce the body?
According to the nutritionist Thais Barcaspecialist in applied nutrition and functional sports nutrition, the Chronic hunger (which is different from physiological hunger, which is the one between meals) has negative effects In the organism in the short and long term.
Without real access to energy source that comes from foodthe body seeks to extract in the short term the stored energy in the Body fat or in the muscles. This causes an immediate “sudden weight loss, reduction of muscle mass, deficiencies of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals. Which is accompanied by loss of hair, weak nailsdifficulty thinking, dizziness and nausea”Said Barca.
In the Extreme phase of hunger (in the long term), there is a deep change in metabolism. He starts working very slowly, “compromising the operation of all organs“, and also preventing” production of important substances such as hormones and enzymes“The specialist clarified. If the human body does not have resources to quench hunger, the individual can end dying.
Other symptoms of chronic hunger
- Deceleration or growth interruption.
- Psychological and psychic changes, leaving the apathetic and depressed individual.
- Wronged skin.
- Anemia and other blood disorders.
- Rickets (when the bones become weak, brittle and crooked) due to the lack of vitamin D.
- Fatigue.
- Deterioration of the proper functioning of all organs of the human body,
- Low immunity.
How the Buenos Aires Food Bank works
Faced with this reality, organizations such as Food Bank Buenos Aires They work to reduce the food gap. In 2024, the entity distributed more than 6 million kilos of food to more than 1,200 social organizations in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA), which is equivalent to almost 19 million food dishes.
In the bank they focus on the nutritional quality of the food delivered, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals, and dictate food education workshops to promote healthy habits from an early age.
“The nutritional value of food delivered during the past year was 68.3% high, putting special emphasis on the distribution of fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals”said Fernando UrangaGeneral Director of Banco de Foods Buenos Aires.
Urganga He also commented that they dictate the food education workshops coordinated by experts, because “They seek to raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet, providing practical knowledge that promote healthy long -term habits.”
What is the “healthy breakfasts” program about
The program “Healthy breakfasts”in its second edition, it aims to provide complete and nutritious breakfasts to more than 12,000 children between 3 and 12 years old attending social organizations, maternal gardens and school support.
This integral approach seeks not only to relieve immediate hunger, but also to encourage a balanced diet that feels the basis for adequate physical and cognitive development.
“The fight against hunger in Argentina requires a joint commitment between the State, the private sector and civil society. Guaranteeing equitable access to adequate food is essential to build a more fair country with opportunities for all, especially for the most vulnerable, “Uranga concluded.
Source: Ambito
