The study includes: glossary;references; and annexes. A number of countries in the LatinAmerica and Caribbean (LAC) region have been severely hit byfood-price crises in 2008 and are still very vulnerable tofood-price volatility experienced since late 2010.Humanitarian responses to high food prices, crises, shocks,or emergency situations should help the poor avoid theconsequences of the reduced affordability of a basic foodbasket. This is especially crucial in the first 1,000 daysof life (that is, children from pregnancy until they reach 2years of age and breastfeeding women), since most of thephysical and cognitive damages due to improper nutrition inthis period are irreversible. The World Bank is leading aregional study on how to improve LAC country responses so asto protect the nutritional status of the poorest and mostvulnerable in times of crises and emergencies.