Food Insecurity in Guatemala and How Garden Towers Help

Food insecurity in Guatemala is a daily struggle. Many families do not know what they will eat next. Because of that, children are often impacted first.

Be Humanitarian is working to change this. We focus on long term solutions. We also work side by side with local leaders.

Why Food Insecurity Matters

When families lack food, stress rises quickly. As a result, health can suffer. In addition, children may struggle to learn and grow.

However, change is possible. When families can grow food at home, daily life feels more stable. That stability matters.

For trusted hunger data in Guatemala, you can also review the World Food Programme here.
https://www.wfp.org/countries/guatemala

What a Garden Tower Does

A garden tower helps a family grow vegetables at home. It is simple. It is practical. Most importantly, it supports food access for months at a time.

Because families harvest regularly, meals become more consistent. Over time, this builds confidence and hope.

How Garden Towers Support Women

Women often lead food preparation in the home. Therefore, food access impacts them deeply.

When a mother grows her own produce, pride grows too. In addition, she gains more control over her family’s health.

Sometimes there is extra produce. When that happens, families can sell what they do not use. As a result, income can increase. That extra money helps with basics.

Connection Across Communities

This program connects people across borders.

In Utah, volunteers help sew parts that support the garden towers. Meanwhile, women in Guatemala plant and harvest food for their families.

Because both groups take action, the impact grows. Also, relationships form through shared purpose.

If you want to get involved, you can explore current ways to serve with Be Humanitarian here.
https://behumanitarian.org/volunteer-vacation

The Impact So Far

Since 2019, Be Humanitarian and The USANA Foundation have installed 1,857 garden towers. As a result, over 2.3 million meals have been produced.

In 2024, 840 towers were installed. That created about 1.5 million meals for families in need.

Now we are aiming higher. Over the next 12 months, the goal is 4,212 more towers. If we reach that goal, families can gain about 4.6 million meals each year. Over five years, that can become 23.1 million meals.

Therefore, funding matters. We need $5,000 for materials. Even small gifts help.

More Than Food

This program is not only about vegetables. It is also about skills.

Women learn how to garden. In addition, they learn basic money skills. Over time, this supports long term growth.

Because of this training, families can keep moving forward.

How You Can Help Today

There are a few simple ways to help.

First, you can donate.
Next, you can volunteer.
Also, you can share this story with friends.

Each action builds momentum. Each action supports families.

Together, we can grow something beautiful.