• The main source of poverty reduction in the region has been pro-poor economic growth. Redistribution policies have played little role in poverty reduction in the Europe and Central Asia region.
• The experience of the past 23 years suggests that sustained economic growth is key to further poverty reduction and ensuring food security in the region.
• For the population of most countries in the region, the burden of overweight and obesity in terms of disability-adjusted labour years now far exceeds that from undernutrition.
• Beyond economic growth, policies aimed specifically at malnutrition that have worked in this region include:
  • Food fortification for iron, vitamin A, zinc, iodine and other deficiencies
  • Food reformulation to reduce salt, saturated fats and sugar
  • Fiscal measures, such as taxes on soft drinks, sugary foods or food items containing saturated fats
  • Public health and nutrition information campaigns to increase public awareness
  • Nutrition labelling to increase consumer awareness
  • Means tested food assistance policies for women with young children.

Regional Overview of Food Insecurity Europe and Central Asia 2015

Региональный обзор ФАО: Европа и Центральная Азия 2015