World hunger facts | Action Against Hunger WHY HUNGER? OUR IMPACT GET INVOLVED Sitewide Search Sitewide search, click to expand DONATE NOW Responsive nav WORLD HUNGER FACTS Around the world, we produce more than enough food to feed the global population – but more than 810 million still go to bed hungry every night. World hunger is on the rise. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the world was disastrously off track to meet the United Nation’s target of achieving zero hunger by 2030. Now Covid-19 and lockdown measures aimed at stopping the spread of the virus have made it even more challenging to achieve this goal. This must change. What is hunger? According to the UN Hunger Report, hunger is the term used to define periods when populations are experiencing severe food insecurity — meaning they go for entire days without eating due to lack of money, food or other resources. What is the definition of hunger? Here are some widely accepted definitions of key terms: Hunger is the distress associated with lack of food. The threshold for food deprivation, or undernourishment, is fewer than 1,800 calories per day. Undernutrition goes beyond calories to signify deficiencies in energy, protein, and/or essential vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition refers more broadly to both undernutrition and overnutrition (problems with unbalanced diets). Food security relates to food availability and access. When a person always has enough availability and steady access to safe and nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life, they’re considered food secure. FACTS AND FIGURES 30M 30 million more people were affected by hunger as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 1 IN 9 Globally, one in nine people are hungry or undernourished. 2BN 2.37 billion people did not have access to enough safe and nutritious food in 2020. Recovering from life-threatening hunger After being admitted with malnutrition to an Action Against Hunger health centre in Mogadishu, Somalia, two-year-old Mohamed was able to go home after just ten days. READ MOHAMED'S STORY What causes hunger? There are many reasons why people experience hunger. We know that conflict, climate change, poor access to healthcare and inequality are all underlying drivers of the hunger crisis. Climate shocks and extreme weather The climate crisis is driving a rise in extreme weather around the world, leading to more frequent droughts and floods. These can lead to crop failures and a loss of income for families, which means they struggle to feed their children. Conflict Long and complex conflicts also affect millions of people around the world. They can lead to the sudden large-scale displacement of people who often end up living in makeshift camps and struggle to make an income. Poverty Poverty and inequality are also leading drivers of hunger and malnutrition. More and more countries have both high levels of hunger in some regions and high levels of obesity elsewhere. The increasingly unequal distribution of wealth means that many people are missing out on nutritious food and going hungry, even while living in countries experiencing strong economic development. Often those living in poverty skip meals or consume cheaper and nutrition-poor foods, putting their health at risk. Gender inequality Gender inequality also plays a role in driving malnutrition, as women and girls often eat last and least in a household. A third of all women of reproductive age worldwide suffer from anaemia, caused by iron deficiency. Teenage mothers and their babies can also be particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. Coronavirus The impact of Covid-19 means 30 million more people around the world are suffering from hunger. While the threat of the pandemic continues, measures to stop the spread of the virus could lead to even greater levels of hunger as food becomes harder to access. HUNGER HAS DEVASTATING IMPACTS ON CHILDREN 2.3M More than 2 million children die from malnutrition every year. 75% Three-quarters of malnourished children under five don’t get the treatment they need. 10,000 10,000 more children under five could die of malnutrition every month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How is Action Against Hunger helping? We’re an international charity committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and supporting their families to beat hunger. For over forty years, we’ve led the global movement to end life-threatening hunger for good. Our work tackles both the cause and effects of hunger – including nutrition and livelihoods programmes and water, sanitation and hygiene projects. We also respond to humanitarian emergencies and are a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). In 2020, we helped more than 25 million people in 46 countries around the world. More about Action Against Hunger About us We save the lives of malnourished children and support their families to beat hunger. WE WON'T GIVE UP Our impact Meet the families and communities whose lives have been transformed by our work. THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE Where we work We fight hunger and malnutrition in 46 countries around the world. SEE OUR PROGRAMMES DONATETAKE ACTIONFUNDRAISE Twitter twitter Facebook facebook Instagram instagram Youtube youtube Linkedin linkedin About Action Against Hunger What we stand for How we’re run Where your money goes Supporter promise Contact us Media Careers Stories Frequently asked questions Publications and reports Where we work Emergency response Environmental policy Knowledge Against Hunger JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER Sign up to our emails to receive updates from our programmes around the world and learn about how you can help transform lives. SIGN UP We’re part of the worldwide Action Against Hunger network. Learn more. Privacy PolicyAccessibility noticeComplaints policy © 2020 Action Against Hunger Registered charity: England and Wales (1047501), Scotland (SC048317) Registered address: Action Against Hunger UK, 6 Mitre Passage, London, SE10 0ER. Charity web design by Fat Beehive Garbicha from Ethiopia spends all day with his cattle in search of food and water. His livelihood is under threat because of the climate crisis. Read more. By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree to storing cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage and help our marketing strategy. ACCEPT ALL COOKIES COOKIE SETTINGS