“The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 – Addressing high food price inflation for food security and nutrition”—published by the FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO—estimated that “between 638 and 720 million people, corresponding to 7.8 and 8.8 percent of the global population, respectively, faced hunger in 2024.” While hunger is expected to decrease between now and 2030, “512 million people are still projected to be facing hunger in 2030.” 

The FAO stated in “Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition” that The Bahamas has a food insecurity rate of 17.2%. Food insecurity exists when people do not have access to enough nutritious food to support their growth, development for active, healthy lifestyles. The food insecurity rate in The Bahamas is cause for concern for many reasons. We know that there are noncommunicable diseases that are rampant in our population, affected by our diets and lifestyles. Many of us have also heard the stories of children going to school without having had breakfast and little or nothing provided for lunch. Food insecurity is directly related to poverty which not only affects people’s ability to pay for food, but the time to procure, prepare, and eat it. Taxation on food has negatively and disproportionately impacted people experiencing poverty, and there is little attention to this worsening issue. 

Addressing food insecurity requires a change in systems. While immediate, direct assistance is necessary until we reach a state of food security, it is not going to solve the problem. People need to be able to afford food. Both the import of food and the taxation on food are drivers of food insecurity. Combined with the lack of a livable wage, we have a dangerous situation. People are working full time, often holding more than one job, and still cannot afford to buy nutritious food. Some do not have a stove, and some do not have electricity. Many have to buy a few items every single day for their survival, unable to afford a “big shop” and/or unable to properly store food for more than one or two days. There are people who can buy enough food, but do not have the means (including time) to prepare it, so they opt for fast food or packaged food products. The circumstances vary widely, yet bring us to the same place. People are unwell, tired, underperforming, and stressed because of their inability to meet their most basic needs. 

When politicians come knocking, trying to secure your votes, ask them what they have done and what they plan to do to increase food security. Ask them what support through Social Services is like now, and how it will change in the coming five years. Ask them which schools have breakfast programs and which do not. Ask them how backyard farming will be encourage. Ask them about community gardens and food pantries in your constituency. Ask them about taxation, particularly on food. Tell them this is a priority issue, and that you need to see a plan for addressing it.

Between now and the point of food security, there are people who need help, and there are organizations working to fill the gap.

You can support:

1. Hands for Hunger. This is a “humanitarian organization committed to the elimination of unnecessary hunger and the reduction of food waste through the creation of meaningful and engaging partnerships formed amongst all sectors of the Bahamian community” which engages in food rescue, food distribution, and education. Hands for Hunger operates a food pantry which enables clients to make their own selections from a variety of offerings. Donations can be made at handsforhunger.org/donate.
2. Bahamas Crisis Center. This is a nongovernmental organization that provides free counseling services, particularly people experiencing domestic violence or related crises. It provides support to its clients beyond counseling, including through its food pantry. To donate, contact administration at 328-0922 to make arrangements.
3. Bahamas Feeding Network. Thirteen organizations formed a group to “perform as a hub for the collection and distribution of food items and financial and physical resources to the entities that interact daily with thousands throughout the archipelago plagued with the uncertainty of knowing where their next meal is coming from.” Donations can be made at bahamasfeedingnetwork.org/donate.
4. Soup kitchens. These are often operated by faith-based organizations. Find the one nearest to you and ask how you can help. From grocery shopping and delivery to serving and cleanup, there is no shortage of work to do.

Ways to Give

Cash. Few people seem to be willing to give money to people in need of assistance. Some want the gratification of purchasing items themselves and being able to give physical items. Some want to control what others—people in need in particular—consume, wanting people to have only what they deem acceptable. There is a serious people with the refusal to trust people in situations of vulnerability to make the best decisions for themselves. The fact is that people know what they need better than anyone else. Being able to purchase items themselves also prevents accumulation of individual products in excess, reduces storage issues, avoids issues with allergies and other dietary restrictions, makes healthier options possible, and allows for treats that might be otherwise overlooked. Giving cash recognizing people’s agency.

Gift certificates. An easy way to support people in different families and a wide range of situations is through gift certificates to grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. This enables people to make the most appropriate selections available to them on an as-needed basis. At certain time of the year, like the holiday season in December, there is an increase in giving. There is only so much that each person and/or family can accept and consume in a short period of time. Gift certificates have a longer life, and make a great alternative to giving canned goods which are high in sodium. Those with cars appreciate the gift certificates for gas, enabling them to get to and from stores in addition to the school run, work commute, and job interviews. 

Fresh produce. When supporting a particular family or organization, be sure to include fresh fruit and vegetables. Onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and lime go a long way in helping canned goods to reach their flavor potential. Bananas, apples, and oranges make great, quick snacks for everyone. If you have fruit-bearing trees, share the bounty. There is nothing quite like native fruit, and it is a special treat when discovered in a mix of necessities. 

Canned goods with manual can opener. When canned goods seem like the best option, remember to include a can opener to ensure that the people you are helping do not have an additional barrier. Choose a variety of canned goods. Be sure to include canned vegetables and beans. 

When people are sleeping in their cars and parked on lines for hours and hours to receive vouchers and food, it is clear that we have a problem. No one should have to do this for food. Sustainable Development Goal two is to end hunger, and 2030 is not very far away.