The effects of nutrition and malnutrition in Guatemala cannot be understated.  Guatemala has the sixth highest rate of malnutrition in the world, with 47% of citizens being considered malnourished, which reaches as high as 70% in some areas of the country (USAID, 2018).  This has a huge effect on the health of Guatemalans, especially children.  55% of children from 18-23 months are considered to have stunted growth (USAID, 2018).  This increases drastically with education, as the same age range becomes 67% in children of mothers with no formal education (USAID, 2018).  Much of the concerns of malnutrition begins at birth, as 15% of newborns are considered of a low birth weight (USAID, 2018).  This often translates into shorter stature later in life, with 25% of women in the country less than 145 centimeters (4 foot 9 inches), increasing to 37% of indigenous women (USAID, 2018).

            There are numerous initiatives to support the nutrition of the children of Guatemala.  The United States has selected Guatemala as one of 12 countries that are designated as Feed the Future (USAID, 2018).  Additionally, the government of Guatemala continues to focus heavily on increasing their efforts on reduction of malnutrition and stunted growth.   A plan is in place to increase the national budget of nutrition by 2.5% (USAID, 2018).  In 2016, there was a goal implemented to reduce malnutrition and stunting by 10% by 2020 (USAID, 2018).