In Ecuador, food insecurity is a daily reality for millions of families across the country. Rising living costs, economic instability, and changing weather patterns have left nearly 2.6 million people facing severe food shortages¹. The youngest community members are hit the hardest: nearly 23 percent of children under age five experience chronic malnutrition, which deeply impacts their physical growth and early development². As the price of basic groceries continues to rise faster than everyday household wages, families struggle to afford the fresh, nutrient-rich foods they need to stay healthy and thrive³.
In the high-altitude mountain communities surrounding Quito, over 80 percent of low-income households face daily food insecurity, leaving women and young children disproportionately vulnerable to anemia and stunting. While fresh produce and animal protein line regional market stalls, market prices remain prohibitively high—a nutritious diet can consume over 40 percent of a basic monthly salary, far beyond the budget of typical working families. Without reliable, local means of food production, households are forced to rely on low-cost, calorie-dense foods that lack essential vitamins and proteins.
This summer, HXP Builders will partner alongside local community members and agricultural leaders in the mountain communities of Quito to construct sustainable chicken coops for 16 families. Throughout the trip, groups will work to build secure, lasting coops designed to raise poultry and protect livestock. Once construction is complete, HXP will provide 20 chickens to each of the 16 families, establishing an immediate and reliable source of fresh eggs for daily consumption. Any surplus eggs can be sold in local markets, creating a steady source of extra income. Working side by side with local families, Builders will help strengthen food security, support household economic opportunities, and promote long-term community self-reliance.
Sources:
¹ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) & WFP – Ecuador Acute Food Insecurity Situation & Population Projections
² UNICEF & World Bank – Childhood Stunting and Nutritional Status Reports in Ecuador
³ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) & UN OCHA – Humanitarian Needs Overview & Cost of Healthy Diets in Latin America