ABOUT WORLD HUNGER DAY

2.4 billion people don't have access to adequate nutrition.

World Hunger Day was founded by The Hunger Project in 2011 to call attention to the global food crisis. On May 28 each year, we join together as global citizens to highlight sustainable solutions to world hunger and declare our own role in making a hunger-free planet our reality.

World Hunger Day 2022:

#YouthEndingHunger highlights the role of youth in ending world hunger.

The current food system is failing to meet the needs of nearly 2.4 billion people — almost a third of our planet. This level of dysfunction affects not only the current population, but has the potential to devastate future generations — unless we work together.

The global population is younger than ever. Globally, nearly 1.6 billion people — nearly one quarter of the population — are between the ages of 10 and 24 years old. They are old enough to internalize the pain of inequities that lead to hunger, but rarely consulted in finding solutions. And yet they are the most impacted. Malnourishment, stunting, starvation — these conditions create entire generations of individuals who are born into disadvantage. In addition to life-long health challenges, food insecurity can irreversibly impact their social and emotional development. All of these factors compound and the younger generation is then faced with a steeper climb to self-reliance than their parents.

Yet, in the face of these enormous challenges, young people present enormous possibilities. And that’s what we’re calling attention to this World Hunger Day.

Youth energy and activism is felt strongest at the intersection of climate and conflict — the two main drivers of chronic, persistent hunger in our world today. They are leading the grassroots movement towards mitigating the impact of climate change and conflict by generating innovative solutions. That's why it's imperative that their voices are included and amplified as an integral part of the conversation at every level — locally, nationally and globally. 

At The Hunger Project, we see the power of young voices in our programs around the world — our Youth Ending Hunger program in Bangladesh, for example, sees an average of 5,000 new young people joining the movement every year. That's 5,000 new transformational leaders committed to ending hunger each year!

The increasingly powerful social and environmental activism of youth has the power to transform societies and it is our collective responsibility to elevate young voices.

GET INVOLVED

Image Credit: Sumaiya in India © Photo for The Hunger Project, 2021

MEET THE GRASSROOTS CHANGEMAKERS

Anju Moyna is making sure her community stays informed about COVID-19, has access to hand-washing stations and learns proper hand-washing techniques. Read her story. 

Liliana took the initiative to launch her own program during the pandemic by translating all the health information regarding coronavirus into her native language of Mazateca. Read her story. 

Aisha is creating healthcare access for her community during COVID-19 by providing a door-to-door delivery service of medicines and contraceptives in her community. Read her story. 

“I have quickly become a change agent of key SRHR issues, child marriage and girls’ education. As an active member of the girls’ club, I produce and use handmade sanitary materials and share my experience in community gatherings and rallies.” Read Adebar's story. 

For partnerships and press enquiries in the UK, email rebecca.burgess@thehungerproject.org.uk and in the USA, email priyanka.naithani@thp.org