Earlier this week we posted about countries that are currently facing hunger and/or food insecurity. Now we want to dive into what causes hunger, how to fight world hunger, and hunger education resources.
What Is Hunger?
The United Nations defines hunger as “periods when people experience severe food insecurity—meaning they go entire days without eating due to lack of money, access, or other resources.”
Extended food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, which occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition appears in several forms, including wasting (acute malnutrition) and stunting (chronic malnutrition). These conditions have serious consequences for children, weakening their immune systems and increasing vulnerability to illness. The World Food Program USA estimates that approximately 3 million children die each year from hunger-related causes.
Main Causes of Hunger
While it might seem that a shortage of food is the root of the issue, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that more than enough food is produced globally to feed everyone. So, what’s driving the crisis?
The primary causes of global hunger include conflict, climate, economic shocks, and displacement, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Here is further information on what causes hunger:
- Conflict: Armed conflict damages farmland, disrupts supply chains, and restricts humanitarian aid. This impacts the production and distribution of food.
- Climate: Extreme weather events like droughts and floods reduce crop yields and increase food insecurity.
- Economic shocks: Recessions, inflation, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic can destabilize food access.
- Displacement: Refugees and displaced people often struggle to find employment, food, and housing.
Other contributing factors include poverty, food waste, industrial farming practices, systemic inequality, and cultural norms.
Ways to Take Action Against Hunger
Cuts in foreign aid from Western donor countries, including reductions to agencies like USAID, are likely to make global hunger worse in the coming years. Achieving SDG 2, Zero Hunger, by 2030 is looking increasingly unlikely, and millions more lives—especially children’s—remain at risk.
However, there are many ways to make a positive impact around hunger.
Donate to Relief Organizations
Donate to organizations providing food and emergency relief. Reputable organizations like World Food Programme, Action Against Hunger, and UNICEF are actively working to alleviate global hunger.
Raise Awareness Around Hunger
Start community conversations or utilize social media to raise awareness on the scope of food insecurity. Social media campaigns can have a powerful impact: for example, the #ShareTheMeal campaign by the World Food Programme has helped provide over 270 million meals.
Reduce Food Waste at Home
Consider food waste solutions for families and communities. Nearly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. You can help by planning meals, storing food properly, and composting scraps.
Volunteer to Stop Hunger in Your Community
Support local food banks, drives, and soup kitchens with your time. Local organizations often rely on volunteers and donations to serve families in need. Websites like Feeding America and FoodPantries.org can help you find programs to support.
Raising Awareness in the Classroom
Teaching about hunger and food insecurity can be challenging but meaningful. At PopEd, we offer a variety of lesson plans that cover these complex topics in age-appropriate and engaging ways.
Through these hands-on activities, readings, case studies, and infographics, students explore the causes and consequences of food insecurity and brainstorm their own solutions.
Additional Resources to Learn About the Hunger Crisis
Learn more about hunger, food insecurity, child hunger and global food solutions here:
Image credits: Filipino children removing debris after Typhoon Vamco (Judgefloro, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons); Rotting food (Photo by Yan Krukau); Food drive donations during a USDA summer drive (20160617-OSEC-LSC-0287 by Lance Cheung/USDA Media from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is Public domain)