BY: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Monday: 20th February 2023

Malnutrition is indeed a growing concern in Belize, particularly among school-age children who are not receiving adequate nutrition. This is a serious issue that can have significant impacts on physical and cognitive development, as well as long-term health outcomes.

It is unfortunate that some children are unable to access balanced and nutritious meals due to economic challenges and high costs of living. While the government may offer certain programs, such as a food program for select schools and subsidized transportation for certain rural communities, it is clear that more needs to be done to address malnutrition across the country.

Some parents could hardly afford to send their children to school and if they do they give their child or children limited funds that only covers back and forth transportation and a couple dollars more for tacos and a sugary water  called juice.

With the global economic crisis, there is a consistent upward trend of inflation.

This is causing serious dents on what we once considered normal, today we are forced to make cuts on basic food items that makes up a well-balanced meal.  The situation seems to be getting worse before they get any better. The lack of affordability makes us all unable to buy many food items because they keep going up each time beyond our paycheck.

In terms of addressing growing inflation, there are several steps that the government could take. One possible solution is to invest more in local agriculture and production, which could help to reduce reliance on expensive imported goods. This could also create job opportunities and boost the local economy.

Additionally, the government could explore ways to support families in need, such as by providing more financial assistance to the poverty stricken needy or other resources to help cover some of the costs of food and transportation for school-age children. This could include expanding existing programs or developing new initiatives to meet the needs of a wider range of individuals and families.

It is important that the government recognizes the severity of the issue of malnutrition in Belize and takes concrete steps to address it. This is not only a matter of ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need to grow and learn, but also a matter of promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for the country as a whole.