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As the world shuts down to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) released a report on food security and supply chains.

“Supermarket shelves remain stocked for now. But a protracted pandemic crisis could quickly put a strain on the food supply chains, a complex web of interactions involving farmers, agricultural inputs, processing plants, shipping, retailers and more,” the report said. As borders close, people stay at home and shipping and aviation get disrupted, the normal food supply chain will begin to feel ripple effects.

China was the first country to be hit with the virus, and experts are looking at it to see how the rest of the world will react. “In China, logistics constraints and labor crunches have caused losses of fresh vegetables, limited access to animal feed and diminished capacity of slaughterhouses,” said the FAO report.

Countries like those in the Pacific Islands that import many goods are at higher risk of supply chain changes. With reduced demand, air flights become more expensive and can drive up the cost of food. Combined with the lack of tourism these places rely on, changes could lead to food insecurity.

To help alleviate supply chain pains, the report recommends multiple steps for countries to follow. The report urges countries to expand emergency food programs and social safety nets, Support small farms through markets and e-commerce, examine tax and trade laws to keep trade flowing, and manage macroeconomic ramifications and disruptions.
“The world was awfully unprepared for the pandemic,” said the FAO report.”But by keeping the gears of the supply chains moving and actively seeking international cooperation to keep trade open, countries can prevent food shortages and protect the most vulnerable populations.”
Read more about protecting yourself from coronavirus. Check the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself and check our latest article to learn how COVID-19 differs from the flu.

Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

This is a good time to reconsider our intake of animal products to stay healthy. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Catch up on our latest coronavirus coverage in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

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