Up to 783 million people worldwide suffer from eternal hunger. During 2023, the World Health Organization It is reported that the human race has increased by an additional 122 million people. Hunger has decreased compared to 2019. On October 16, the United Nations world food day To raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals of Achieve zero hunger by 2030. In a world increasingly affected by climate change, hunger is more likely to increase than eradicated over the next six years.
Currently, global food production is sufficient to feed everyone, but distribution problems prevent everyone from getting nutrition. If climate impacts continue, extreme weather events are predicted to make more people food insecure, especially in the Global South. And amidst the increasing challenges, Funding for the World Food Program has decreased.
The global food system may seem too big for any individual to influence, but achieving zero hunger will require the efforts of all of us. World Food Day is an opportunity to learn and act for change. Sadly, although we have enough food for everyone, it remains a challenge to prevent food wastage so that the surplus goes to the world’s hungry.
Reducing food waste
Reducing food waste saves money and reduces the environmental burden of food production. It also helps reduce world hunger.
One-third of the food produced each year, approx. 1.3 billion tons — will be wasted. This is four times the amount of food needed to feed the 800 million people currently suffering from hunger. The average American wastes 400 pounds of food each year. When consumers stop buying food they won’t eat, producers and distributors will have to get creative to reach traditionally underserved communities. Get into the habit of reducing food waste at home and get involved with organizations like Feeding America that work to reduce food waste up the distribution chain.
Improving food system efficiency
Current food production is sufficient to feed the current population, but to feed the estimated world population in 2050, production will need to increase by 50%. By supporting us, you can be part of a more efficient food system. local farmers market. Buying directly removes the link from the distribution chain and creates sales opportunities for small producers. Support organic food wherever you buy it sustainable and environmentally regenerative farming methods.
healthy eating
Eating a healthy diet has obvious benefits that help you stay healthy. This is part of our contribution to a more efficient food system, but the benefits go beyond that. Health foods typically contain fewer ingredients, especially manufactured ingredients such as artificial preservatives and flavors. They also tend to use less packaging. Let’s compare an apple to an individually wrapped snack bar. All these changes mean that a healthy diet reduces our contribution to climate change. NASA predicts By the end of the decade, wheat and corn (maize) yields will change.
advocate
Personal change is important, but it has its limits. We have many opportunities to advocate for ending world hunger. your elected representatives Supporting trade policies that improve global access to food, land grant university We are working to improve agricultural methods. donate Join or volunteer with an organization that works to spread the #ZeroHunger message across your network by feeding and sharing with the hungry. facts about world hunger.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on October 15, 2018 and updated in October 2024.
