FORAGING: Venezuelans have long had to shop around to find scarce foods, and lately consumers have had particular trouble finding staples like chicken, cooking oil, sugar and coffee.

HUNGER PAINS: Economists say the shortages stem from mismanagement of the economy with price and currency controls. Official accusations of hoarding and price gouging aim to deflect blame, government critics argue.

FOOD RAID: Over the weekend National Guard troops entered a market in downtown Caracas and confiscated 20 tons of beef, 15 tons of corn and 4 tons of garlic that allegedly violated price controls.