The caloric yield per rupee spent has declined significantly. For instance, staple foods like rice, dal and wheat flour now offer more than 50 per cent fewer calories per 100 rupees than they did in 2019.

Sri Lanka is grappling with a nutrition crisis exacerbated by economic hardships, rising food costs, and income losses. While many households focus on meeting basic calorie needs, nutritional security has become a secondary concern, leading to long-term health risks and a pressing need for innovative policy solutions.

A report by the influential think Colombo-based tank, Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) says that the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by inflation and supply chain disruptions, has severely impacted Sri Lanka’s ability to ensure nutritional security.

The Department of Census and Statistics’ Household Survey on the Impact of the Economic Crisis (2023) revealed a dire picture: over 90 per cent of households reported increased monthly expenditures, largely driven by food inflation. The poorest communities, particularly those in rural and estate sectors and female-headed households, are disproportionately affected.

The effects of this crisis are visible in the rising rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight children under five years old – markers of long-term health and developmental challenges. Families are increasingly turning to calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods as high-protein items like meat, fish, and eggs become unaffordable.

The Changing Food Landscape

Nutrition security has been overshadowed by efforts to combat food insecurity. With the focus shifting toward calorie consumption, nutrient-rich diets are being sacrificed for less preferred but cheaper food options. IPS’ report highlights that 59.6 per cent of households relied on such options in 2022, compared to just 17.1 per cent in 2019.

This shift has led to coping strategies such as reducing the number of daily meals, skipping meals, or prioritizing children’s food needs over adults’. Furthermore, the caloric yield per rupee spent has declined significantly. For instance, staple foods like rice, dhal, and wheat flour now offer more than 50 per cent fewer calories per 100 rupees than they did in 2019. This indicates a loss in cost-effectiveness for households, with even the wealthiest families forced to adopt more frugal food consumption habits.

Tackling the Crisis Through Behavioural Shifts

While structural macroeconomic reforms are vital, smaller-scale interventions can also drive significant improvements. One promising approach involves reallocating household expenditures from tobacco and alcohol toward food.

IPS research reveals that such shifts could dramatically enhance caloric and nutrient intake, especially for the poorest households. Reallocating tobacco expenditures alone could increase daily caloric intake by 4.2 per cent, while redirecting both tobacco and alcohol spending could lead to a 19.1 per cent rise. This would allow households to bridge the energy deficit and access essential macronutrients such as proteins and fats, improving overall diet quality.

For the poorest 20 per cent of households, these changes could increase daily caloric intake from 1,792 kilocalories (kcal) to 2,134 kcal. Proteins, often lacking due to high costs, would also see a significant uptick, from 49 grams to 59 grams per day.

Policy Measures for Lasting Impact

The success of this approach hinges on targeted public health interventions and robust fiscal policies. Public awareness campaigns should promote the health and financial benefits of reallocating tobacco and alcohol expenditures. Additionally, taxation policies could make tobacco and alcohol less affordable relative to nutritious food.

Currently, smoking and alcohol consumption have become more affordable as food prices have surged. Tax hikes on these items could discourage their use while creating fiscal space for social protection measures like cash transfers and food vouchers. These tools could incentivize healthier spending habits among low-income households.

Moreover, policymakers should consider exempting essential, nutrient-rich foods from Value Added Tax (VAT) and implementing subsidies to make them more affordable. Coupling these efforts with educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of balanced diets would be key to driving sustainable change.

A Call to Action

The recent general elections in the island nation did offer an opportunity for political leaders to prioritise nutrition in their agendas, but this was done in a very limited way. Addressing nutritional insecurity requires immediate interventions alongside long-term strategies to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce food waste, and ensure market access to affordable, nutritious foods.

IPS has called for policymakers to recognise poor nutrition as a symptom of transient poverty and integrate it into social protection systems. Beyond addressing immediate needs, these strategies should lay the groundwork for a healthier and more resilient population.

IPS says that by redirecting expenditures from tobacco and alcohol, households can achieve better nutrition without sacrificing other essential needs such as health and education. This approach, combined with supportive fiscal policies, could transform Sri Lanka’s nutritional landscape, ensuring that food security includes both quantity and quality.

According to the think tank, Sri Lanka’s path forward lies in recognizing the interconnectedness of nutrition, health, and economic well-being. It is a challenge that demands urgent action, innovative solutions, and a commitment to building a future where all citizens have access to affordable, nutritious food.