Food insecurity among Argentina’s children soars

Food insecurity among Argentine children and adolescents has surged in recent years amid the government’s sweeping spending cuts, according to a recent study.

The study, based on data gathered by the Argentine Catholic University (UCA) between 2010 and 2024, showed worsening food insecurity nationwide, signalling that malnourishment remains one of the country’s biggest challenges.

Data showed that food insecurity among children rose to 37% in 2020, up from a stable average of around 20% between 2010 and 2017, the Buenos Aires Times reported. 

While there have been slight improvements since then, 35.5% or roughly one-third of children and adolescents still lack regular access to adequate, safe and nutritious food.

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Children from poor, single-parent households hit hardest

The report found that the most affected groups are children in poor households and single-parent homes, underscoring the structural nature of the problem. 

At least 49% of children in poor households and 51% of those with adults in unstable employment faced severe food shortages last year. 

In single-parent homes, 43% of children experienced food insecurity, as did 45% of those in large families with five or more members.

It also noted that 44% of children with learning disabilities suffered from food insecurity, though it did not provide details on the types of disabilities.

Geographically, the Buenos Aires metropolitan area was more affected than inland regions, although the gap has narrowed due to worsening conditions in the provinces.

Government’s spending cuts play pivotal role 

While the study did not cite specific causes, it comes at a time when President Javier Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist, has implemented a series of austerity measures aimed at achieving a strict fiscal adjustment.

Since taking office, Milei has cut government spending, including funding for soup kitchens, in an effort to curb inflation.

Sandra Pettovello, head of the Ministry of Human Capital, which oversees social programme funding, argued the cuts are necessary to reduce federal debt and dismantle “poverty managers” who act as intermediaries between the state and citizens.

However, experts and activists warned the measures place additional strain on the working class and marginalised communities, potentially deepening food insecurity and poverty.

Poverty rate on the rise 

Alongside rising food insecurity, Argentina’s poverty rate also surged over the past year, reflecting the fact that many Argentinians still suffer amid economic development.

UCA data showed poverty reached nearly 53% in the first half of 2024, the highest level in two decades, compared with an average above 25% in earlier years.

Eduardo Donza, one of UCA experts, noted that those who fell below the poverty line included individuals with stable employment and higher education. 

“This is the result of a number of structural issues, including the drastic devaluation of the peso. Argentina is a very particular country where these types of devaluations directly impact prices,” he previously told Al Jazeera. 

However, the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) reported that poverty fell to 38.1% in the second half of 2024, marking a significant turnaround for Milei’s government.

Figures fail to reflect on-the-ground reality

Despite the official drop, economists say the numbers fail to capture the day-to-day struggles of ordinary citizens under the government’s radical austerity programme. 

Thomas Raffo, an economist at the Argentine Workers’ Central Union, said there is a “big gap” between the figures and the reality on the streets.

With these conditions, Milei’s government faces the challenge of balancing economic recovery with protecting the quality of life for the poor and marginalised.

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