Better Nutrition
According to the latest FAO figures, the prevalence of undernourishment and food insecurity decreased globally after several years of decline. Although hunger had increased dramatically between 2019 and 2021—largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the global prevalence in 2024 was estimated at 8.2%, a decrease of 15.2 million people compared to 2023 and 22 million compared to 2022.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, undernourishment decreased for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 5.1% of the population in 2024. Despite these improvements, 33 million people suffer from hunger; 167 million suffer from food insecurity; 181 million cannot afford a healthy diet; and 141 million adults live with obesity. The transition towards healthy diets, greater food security and better nutrition for the most vulnerable is a regional priority.
This pillar seeks to eradicate hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition in all its forms, by promoting nutritious foods and increasing access to healthy diets through five priority programmatic areas (Healthy diets for all; Nutrition for the most vulnerable; Safe food for all; Reduction of food loss and waste; and Transparent markets).
Programme Priority Areas
News
Events
5/6
2024
World Food Safety Day 2024
Virtual Event, 05/06/2024
Foodborne diseases have great impacts on the health of the population. It is estimated that, worldwide, 600 million people (1 in 10 people) fall ill from consuming contaminated food, and that 420.000 people die each year from this same cause. These diseases are generally caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals present in contaminated food or water.
29/4
2026
Webinar series for capacity building on Codex topics of interest for the Latin American and the Caribbean region
Virtual Event, 29/04/2026
The growing population worldwide, the increase in food demand, the consequent growth of the food industry, added to global health risks, demonstrate the importance of incorporating food safety into national policies and the strengthening of the Food safety systems.
29/9
2023
International day of awareness of food loss and waste reduction (FLW)
Hybrid Event, 29/09/2023
In 2019, during the 74th United Nations General Assembly, September 29 was designated as International Food Loss and Waste Awareness (FLW) Day, recognizing the critical role of sustainable agri-food systems in food security and nutrition. This date was ch
Publications
Improving food security and nutrition through local public food procurement from smallholder farmers
2025
The document presents succesful experiencies in the region, evidencing positive impacts on agricultural production, food diversification, local employment, and the inclusion of women, alongside a greater supply of fresh and minimally processed foods in favour of a better nutrition.