the global food crisis--in nicaragua

It's no secret that prices for everything are going up all over the world. While gas is perhaps the one that is most affecting the pocketbooks of the developed world, the cost of essential food items here in Nicaragua has risen exponentially in the last several months. And it's making it even more difficult for people here to feed their families.

Just this morning, the local paper came out with a new article about the situation, which describes how the cost of the "canasta basica" (or what it takes to feed a family of 4 for one month) has risen to 8,330 cordoba (or about $400), a 4% increase over last month..

What is included in the canasta basica? Rice, beans, oil, milk, sugar, and bread make up 2/3 of the total. The other portion is for basic cleaning products like detergent and soap, transportation, cooking gas, electricity and water. In addition, a small amount of cheese, meat (which most people here eat perhaps 1-2 a week), eggs, and fruits/vegetables is included.

You might think that $400 a month isn't too bad for a family of 4, but then you have to consider how much money people are actually making. The average monthly salary here is about 2,000 cordoba (or $100). So this means that even if 2-3 people in a househould are working earning this minimum salary, they aren't making enough to be able to eat.

Wages are not keeping pace with inflation and rising prices. I read an article the other day that described families in the dry northwestern mountains that eat tortillas for breakfast. Just tortillas.

I am trying to imagine what that would be like, and I just can't. Even living in the midst of so many who are malnourished, I still eat mostly whatever I want. Changing my eating habits isn't going to solve the problem, but I sure feel a lot less enthusiastic today about that pollo asado than I did before.