Does having an alternative livelihood improve household food security in the short run? This study employs a field experiment to address this question in the context of fishing communities in Kei Island, Indonesia. The sample population live in a lagging and geographically isolated region, facing limited livelihood options and food insecurity. I use a random real-stake that represents an alternative livelihood as the treatment and changes in household perceptions of food security as the outcome measure. The estimates suggest that higher weekly income enhances expected food security.