FAO's Committee on World Food Security , which met from 14 to 18 April in Rome, has recommended measures to improve the situation within the framework of anti-hunger commitments made at the World Food Summit, held in Rome last November. They carry with them great benefits and some possible risks. On the plus side, they provide nutritious food at low prices and employment to many people. The problems relate to possible food safety risks, waste disposal and traffic blockages. FAO studies show that, from Bogota to Bombay, selling snacks and whole meals on the streets is an important way to obtain income, especially among poor women.
Street food is big business.
The vendors are people who would otherwise most likely be unemployed. Women are often owners or employees of street food businesses, in certain regions representing 70 percent to 90 percent of vendors. A majority of women interviewed in FAO studies said that they sold food in the street primarily to improve the food security of their household and for a degree of financial independence. Street food consumers come from all levels of society. Even school children depend on street food.