For the first time in a decade, global hunger is on the rise. At a time when there is more than enough to go around, this is just unthinkable.
That’s countless children who are missing out on school because they’re too hungry to walk there, let alone learn. That’s parents who are desperately wondering how to feed their families.
A lack of regular access to nutritious and sufficient food creates a greater risk of malnutrition and poor health.
You’re right. Between 1990 and 2015 our global community achieved something extraordinary. With collective ambition and a whole range of coordinated initiatives we reduced the prevalence of hunger in developing regions by nearly half.2
But the latest figures indicate that around 821 million people around the world – 1 in 9 – still go hungry each day. Even more – one in three – suffer from some form of malnutrition. (Source: https://www.wfp.org/publications/2019-hunger-map)
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the severity of the issue, with a recent global report saying that it could double the number of people suffering acute hunger by the end of 2020 - more than a quarter of a billion people worldwide.
(Source UN World Food Programme report)
The reasons for chronic hunger are many and complex.4
They include:
In short, yes. Chronic hunger is not inevitable. We already produce more than enough food to feed everyone in the world.
As a global community, we have set ourselves the goal of ending hunger by 2030.5 When we achieve this goal, it will mean that all people – everywhere –have secure and reliable access to enough good quality food to live a healthy life.
Around the world, in places where the ache of hunger is felt most deeply, Tearfund Australia’s partners are present, helping people living in poverty access not just enough to survive, but to thrive in all areas of life.
Misozi works tirelessly to provide for her seven children – not just enough food, but the right food to protect them from malnutrition.
When her husband passed away several years ago, Misozi struggled to provide adequate food for her children.
Since Tearfund's local partner, Reformed Church in Zambia Diaconia Department, began working in her village, Misozi has found a sense of hope.
She’s learnt about sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and how to facilitate supportive relationships in her community. Now, not only is there enough food on the table, but Misozi’s livelihood is more secure, her kids are healthier, and her entire community is growing stronger together.
We invite you to prayerfully consider joining this work of restoration and hope by supporting Tearfund’s partners to overcome poverty and injustice.
