Insecurity is proportionally lower in the South. The region, where 14.8% of Brazilians live, represents 7.5% of all food insecurity in Brazil. The Central-West accounts for 6.7% of moderate or severe insecurity, although it accounts for 8% of the population. Even with 43.1% of Brazilians, the Southeast accounts for 31% of moderate or severe food insecurity.
Of the 216 million Brazilians, 64 million (29.6%) lived with some degree of food insecurity in 2023. For 20.6 million, insecurity is moderate (11.9 million) or severe (8.6 million).
Population had more food in 2013. According to IBGE, 72.4% of Brazilian households achieved food security last year, compared to 63.3% in the institute’s last survey, in 2017/2018. In 2013, however, this level reached 77.4% of homes.
Insecurity fell with social programs
Social programs put food on the table. Former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) increased Auxílio Brasil spending in 2022 (election year). Upon taking office, Lula changed the name of the program (again called Bolsa Família) and expanded the benefit.
