Central America squeezes budgets in food crisis
Friday, February 4, 2011
![](https://www.centralamericalink.com/storage/images/2017/02/07/201102041035180.foodcrisis.jpg)
Central American governments faced with rising global food prices are cutting import tariffs, freezing prices and subsidizing food to try to stave off a devastating hunger crisis.
Already struggling to keep fiscal accounts in check after a sharp economic downturn, the region's small countries risk higher budget deficits and distortions in local markets as they take measures to protect the poorest families.
World food prices hit a record in January, even higher than the levels seen in 2008, when a food crisis sparked violent protests in some countries around the world.
Original source: Reuters