El hambre, el lenguaje de la pobreza

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to analyze the food conditions of the homeless population in the Bazurto market area, specifically in the Avenida del Lago sector. This area is considered critical due to the high concentration of this vulnerable population. The research arose from the need to understand the link between poverty, food insecurity, and social exclusion in a city known for its tourism industry. The methodology employed adopted a mixed-methods approach, with a descriptive correlational design. The target population consisted of homeless individuals over 18 years of age living in the vicinity of Lake Avenue. The results revealed alarming food insecurity; most respondents reported eating only once or twice a day, their main sources of food being charity, waste, and, to a lesser extent, occasional aid from foundations. The quality of the food consumed was categorized as poor or fair. The findings highlight that food insecurity among the homeless is not only an expression of poverty, but also a systematic violation of the human right to food. This situation negatively impacts their physical and mental health, and plunges them into a cycle of exclusion that prevents their social and labor market reintegration, demonstrating the urgent need to strengthen national and sustainable public policies that include food, health, housing, and employment.