After years of steadily reducing the number of people who are hungry, the situation has changed and the number of people without enough nutritious food is increasing.
The World Food Programme estimates the number is more than 783 million people.
“This year’s report reveals that 58 countries will not reach low levels of hunger, let alone zero hunger by 2030, which is a sobering thought,” said Stefan Epp-Koop, senior manager of humanitarian programs at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
“The impacts of multiple intersecting crises have stalled progress in the fight against hunger. Conflict, extreme weather, and economic challenges such as high inflation, have hit communities already vulnerable to food insecurity in a devastating way this year.”
However, the report also reveals hunger levels throughout the world are substantially lower than what they were in the early 2000’s – and that the work of organizations such as the Foodgrains Bank is making a difference.
Since it was founded by a number of Christian denominations in 1983, it has delivered more than $1 billion of aid, much of it contributed by the Canadian government which more than matches donors conributions.
According to this report, the number of countries that were considered ‘alarming’ or ‘extremely alarming’ has dropped from 38 in 2000, to just nine in 2023. With a concerted, compassionate effort by individuals, organizations and governments, that number can continue to decline significantly in 2024.
“It’s encouraging to see that almost every (of the 70 countries) our members and their partners are working in has improved during this period. There is still a long way to go to ending hunger, but knowing progress has taken place as a result of the work we’re doing motivates us to keep going,” said Foodgrains Bank executive director Andy Harrington.
“As we look ahead to what 2024 holds, we’re especially grateful for the way Canadians continue to support us in this mission.”
The member Christian denominations is the broadest in the nation.
