In Haiti, extreme poverty and food scarcity drive some to consume “dirt cookies,” made from clay, water, salt, and sometimes vegetable oil or margarine. These cookies, often sold in markets, provide minimal nutrition and are a last resort for survival, especially in slums like Cité Soleil.

The clay, sourced from areas like Hinche, can contain harmful bacteria or parasites, posing health risks. This practice reflects Haiti’s deep economic crisis, worsened by political instability, natural disasters, and food insecurity affecting millions.