The Right to Food in Question: A Comparative Analysis of Food Security Policies Aimed at the Elderly in Spain and Argentina

Abstract

Since the 2008 economic recession, and in the wake of the health and energy crises, many countries have experienced growing precarization, forcing their governments to implement policies to alleviate increasing inequality suffered by the most disadvantaged groups. In this study, we show how this process has affected older people in Spain and Argentina. In particular, we want to determine whether there has been an increase in food insecurity (FI) during this period in two countries that, on paper, recognise the fundamental right of everyone to enjoy adequate food in all its dimensions and also have specific plans for active and healthy ageing. Based on a compilation and comparative analysis of socio-demographic, food and health indicators and policies/programmes targeted at this age group, we describe the profile and main needs of older people, as well as the mechanisms in place to guarantee (or not) this right. We discuss the different conceptions of food security in the two countries, along with the nature and scope of the measures adopted. We conclude that although food security (FS) policies are very different in Spain and Argentina, what they have in common is the absence and/or insufficiency of specific mechanisms for identifying the impact of growing precarization on food practices and health, and those most affected in terms of gender, social class or ethnic origin. We highlight the need to develop intersectional studies capable of diagnosing and detecting FI situations among older people and counteracting possible forms of ageism arising from this lack of knowledge.