Tecnologico de Monterrey’s School of Engineering and Sciences has launched a new project aimed at improving food security and nutrition in Mexico.
Food security means everyone has access to enough healthy food at all times. Sadly, globally, hunger is a major issue. In 2022, around 783 million people went hungry, and 821 million were malnourished. Among young children, 151 million experienced stunted growth from lack of nutrients, while 613 million women and girls dealt with iron deficiency. Conversely, obesity affects two billion adults, highlighting a serious nutrition crisis worldwide.
In Mexico, the situation is alarming. One in four people face food insecurity, and over 3% suffer from malnutrition. A quarter of the population struggles to afford a healthy diet, despite a 30% increase in food supply since 1961.
To address these challenges, Tecnologico de Monterrey is leading the Food Security and Nutrition Flagship Project. This initiative aims to improve food security and enhance child nutrition in local communities. It looks at the whole food production chain—from sustainable farming to processing, distribution, and consumption. The goal is to create sustainable crops and livestock while ensuring that these foods are both nutritious and last longer.
Dr. Daniel Jacobo, the Associate Dean of Research at the school, stressed the importance of public policies for promoting healthy food options. “We have made great strides in developing functional foods, but we need policies that showcase their benefits, like better nutritional labeling. Collaborating with governments and companies is essential to make meaningful changes,” he said.
Tecnologico de Monterrey collaborates with several big companies, including Bimbo, PepsiCo, and Heinz, as well as international organizations like the Global Alliance for Food Security and the FAO.
Dr. Cristina Chuck, who leads the Food Security and Health Research Cluster, pointed out that economic incentives can lead to healthier choices. “We need to rethink food distribution globally. Should we just eat what is available or what we actually need? Aligning food options with local needs is crucial for enhancing food security,” she added.
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Agriculture, Food Science, Food Security, Latin America, Nutrition
