UNDERSTANDING
Hunger
Hunger is a complex problem, but it’s entirely solvable. With your help, we can end world hunger together.
Causes & Effects of Hunger
While there are many factors that cause food insecurity, hunger also makes a desperate situation even worse. Learn more about how hunger is interconnected with some of the world’s most challenging crises.
Conflict
Conflict is the #1 driver of hunger in the world, and it’s entirely preventable. It uproots families, destroys economies, ruins infrastructure and halts agricultural production.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather is one of the leading causes of global hunger. More frequent and intense storms, floods and droughts destroy land, livestock and crops.
Poverty
Poverty and hunger create a vicious cycle. When costs rise, families can't afford food and sell their money-making assets. This makes them even more vulnerable in the future.
Displacement
When a sudden disaster occurs, people may be forced to flee for safety. Uprooted from their jobs and communities, they face immediate and long-term hunger.
Famine
Famine is deadly and entirely preventable. Today, millions of people could starve without immediate assistance. We’ve prevented famine before, and with your help we can prevent it again.
Gender Inequality
In nearly two-thirds of countries around the world, women are more likely than men to suffer from hunger. That’s because in many cases, women eat last and least.
Disease
Hunger weakens the body and makes it more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Outbreaks often occur in hunger hotspots, creating complex health emergencies.
Food Waste
Nearly one-third of all the food produced globally each year is lost or wasted. If we could recover all the food we waste, we could feed every hungry person on the planet twice over.
Take Action To Fight Hunger
Every little step helps when fighting global hunger. From learning more about the issue to raising awareness and sharing with others, you can make an impact.
Play a Game
Play the Freerice game where every correct answer donates 10 grains of rice.
Write to Congress
Send an email to your representative to advocate on behalf of the hungry.
News & Stories
Read the Latest on Global Hunger
- News Release
- January 30, 2026
- News Release
- January 30, 2026