“We’re Starving. We’re Struggling, Thanks to This Government,” Dying Venezuelans Cry Out for Help

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As the South American country of Venezuela continues to spiral into a deeper hunger catastrophe, people are voicing their outrage against President Nicolas Maduro, to protest for food and medicine, both of which are repeatedly running out or in low supply.

[WATCH: Venezuelans Storm Columbian Border to Buy Food]

An unidentified woman spoke out about the hunger and people protesting in the streets, telling PBS “This is what’s happening in Venezuela. We’re starving. We’re struggling, thanks to this government. It’s the Maduro diet.”

Food prices are inflated and long grocery store lines are a regular sight, even having doors open to only butter on the shelf.

Venezuela is faced with multiple issues like economic disparity, political oppression and a worsening food crisis despite a new government program created called the Local Committees for Supply and Production (CLAPS).

An initiative that has unfortunately still left people without food or medicine on a regular basis.

Reports showing that, the delivery of subsidized goods, is not enough.

A representative for the CLAPS program, Ms. Viana told the Financial Times, “People in the queues curse Maduro, say the opposition should take over and erase all traces of Chávez’s legacy.”

“As things are more organized people are calmer. They now know they will get something every certain amount of days.”

Josefina Leonett, a benefactor of the initiative told FT, “The CLAP bags are just enough for a few days, but at least I know that every two weeks or so I will receive my bag and won’t be wasting entire days rummaging for stuff.”

Leonett also states that she has lost 13kg which is about 29 pounds over the year because of hunger.

Last month, President Maduro met with Pope Francis in a private meeting.

In the meeting, Pope Francis asked Maduro to focus on alleviating the suffering of the country’s people and be open to a “sincere and constructive dialogue,” Washington Post reported.

In response to the growing strife, the hashtag #PrayforVenezuela has been going viral.

Christian communities are calling on the use of prayer to make a difference like Hillsong’s Sisterhood, which refers to itself as a “modern day movement” on its website.