Informal food vendors: The invisible backbone of the global food system

Across the globe, food systems sustain communities and drive economies. Yet, a massive portion of this vital sector operates entirely outside official regulatory frameworks. Informal food vendors, ranging from street-side cooks to bicycle-bound vegetable merchants, are the primary providers of accessible and affordable nutrition for vast populations in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite their ubiquity, these workers often navigate significant challenges, including a lack of legal recognition, limited access to financial services, and constant vulnerability to municipal crackdowns or regulatory hurdles.

The sheer scale of informal employment within the global food system cannot be overstated. Recent estimates suggest that food systems account for approximately 1.23 billion jobs worldwide. Within developing regions, a clear majority of these positions are informal, meaning they lack formal licensing, registration, and labor protections. For millions of urban and rural residents, the kiosk operator or the cart vendor is not merely a convenience, but the sole provider of a hot, affordable meal within walking distance. This decentralized network ensures that fresh produce and cooked meals reach communities that formal supermarkets and grocery chains frequently bypass.

Beyond nutrition, informal food vending acts as a crucial economic engine for marginalized populations, particularly women. In many societies, starting a small food cart or market stall requires minimal capital, making it an accessible pathway for individuals facing barriers to traditional employment. These micro-enterprises generate daily income that supports entire households, paying for education, healthcare, and housing. Furthermore, informal vendors create robust local supply chains by purchasing ingredients from local farmers and small-scale producers, thereby stimulating regional agricultural economies that might otherwise struggle to find reliable buyers for their harvests.

However, the lack of formal status leaves these essential workers in a precarious position. Municipal policies often view informal vendors through a punitive lens, categorizing them as public nuisances or health hazards rather than vital economic contributors. Harassment, confiscation of goods, and arbitrary fees are common realities for many vendors. This adversarial relationship prevents them from investing in their businesses, improving food safety standards, or accessing credit and social safety nets. Without legal protections, a single enforcement sweep can wipe out a family's entire life savings and livelihood.

Addressing the complex reality of informal food vendors requires a fundamental shift in policy and urban planning. Instead of criminalizing or ignoring them, governments and city planners must integrate informal markets into broader urban strategies. This approach involves providing designated vending spaces, basic infrastructure such as clean water and waste disposal, and simplified registration processes that do not impose prohibitive costs. Training programs focused on food hygiene and business management can also elevate the sector while preserving its flexibility and accessibility.

Ultimately, recognizing informal food vendors as the backbone of the global food system is essential for achieving sustainable development goals related to hunger, poverty, and economic growth. By fostering an enabling environment rather than an obstructive one, societies can harness the entrepreneurial energy of billions of workers. Protecting and supporting these vendors ensures that vulnerable populations continue to have access to affordable nourishment, while empowering millions of independent workers to build secure and prosperous futures for their families.