In 2024, food insecurity among refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean has reached alarming levels. The food security of refugees and migrants is intrinsically linked to economic opportunities or a lack thereof. The rising cost of living, inflation, and high food prices, along with financial and social barriers, continue to impact food security. These factors, combined with a reliance on informal sector jobs and remittances, have left many Venezuelan refugees and migrants struggling to secure adequate food. Limited access to local support networks and exclusion from underfunded national safety nets have further aggravated food insecurity for refugees and migrants.

This situation is compounded by the diverse nutritional needs of refugee and migrant populations. The challenge is not just about meeting basic food needs but also addressing the specific requirements of children, pregnant and lactating women, girls, and the elderly.

In various countries, refugees and migrants in transit and destination are grappling with severe food insecurity, with many people resorting to coping mechanisms to secure sufficient food. Coping mechanisms can include eating less or skipping meals altogether, borrowing money or credit to afford food, or opting for cheaper and less nutritious food options.

The combined effect of these challenges highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support to address the diverse and critical needs of refugees and migrants. Ensuring access to adequate and nutritious food remains a pressing concern that requires ongoing attention.

Regional activities focus on sectoral coordination and information management to fill gaps between R4V partners in harmonized planning, food security assessments, monitoring, and reporting. 

A response spanning expanded programmatic approaches

The acute food security needs caused by loss of income and access to basic services – particularly among migrants in transit – have prompted partners to increase initiatives targeting immediate and urgent food needs in a gender- and age-responsive manner. Inadequate access to income-generating activities prevents them from affording three daily meals with a minimum nutritional value to guarantee a dignified, safe, and healthy life. Partners intend to facilitate the inclusion of refugees and migrants in existing social protection programmes via pilot projects, advocacy efforts, and technical assistance. Other activities will seek to address the quality of diet among refugees and migrants and support capacity strengthening of refugees and migrants, as well as community kitchens and canteens that serve hot meals to populations in need. 

A response prioritizing cash and voucher assistance

The RMRP budget for food security activities prioritizes cash and voucher assistance (CVA), aiming to maximize the welfare of beneficiaries, accommodate food consumption preferences, and promote dignity of choice.