Understand Goal 2: Zero Hunger (Secondary)

Summary

Hunger is a global issue, affecting both developing nations and wealthy countries, where inequality and rising costs complicate food access. In places like South Sudan, climate change and poor infrastructure cause exorbitant food prices, while even New York City faces struggles due to unemployment, high costs, and medical bills. The UN aims to end hunger by 2030, and progress has been made in reducing hunger, improving agriculture, and promoting sustainable food systems. However, achieving zero hunger requires equal and reliable access to healthy food for all, which remains a key global challenge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hunger is a global issue that affects people everywhere, from developing nations to wealthy countries with high inequity.
• 🌍 The cost of food varies drastically around the world; for example, a bowl of bean stew costs $1.20 in New York but $320 in South Sudan.
• ⚠️ Discrepancies in food prices add to the global hunger crisis, with factors like climate change playing a key role.
• 🌡️ Climate change, particularly soaring temperatures in regions like South Sudan, makes it harder to grow food and increases its cost.
• 🚚 Poor infrastructure in places like South Sudan makes it difficult to transport food, contributing to higher prices.
• 🏙️ In cities like New York, even though food is more affordable, many people still struggle to feed their families due to factors like unemployment and high living costs.
• 🍽️ People in New York rely on food assistance programs, donations, and cheaper, less nutritious food to survive.
• 🤝 Hunger is not just about food cost or availability; it’s about ensuring equal and reliable access for everyone.
• 🌍 The UN aims to achieve zero hunger by 2030, with promising progress seen in the past 25 years.
• 🌱 Agricultural productivity, economic growth, and food recycling are some of the ways countries are addressing hunger-related issues.
• ♻️ Sustainable food systems, reduced packaging, and edible packaging are part of the ongoing efforts to reduce food waste and improve accessibility.

Q & A

What are some of the regions where hunger is a significant issue?

Hunger is a significant issue in developing nations, war zones with severe food shortages, and even in wealthier countries with high inequity.

How much does a bowl of bean stew cost in New York and South Sudan?

According to the World Food Programme, a bowl of bean stew costs $1.20 in New York but $320 in South Sudan.

What factors contribute to the high cost of food in South Sudan?

In South Sudan, the high cost of food is due to climate change, which makes it difficult to grow food, and inadequate infrastructure, which hampers the transportation of food.

Why is food much more affordable in places like New York?

Food is more affordable in places like New York due to better infrastructure, economic stability, and less disruption from climate change.

How do people in New York still struggle with hunger despite affordable food?

In New York, people still struggle with hunger due to unemployment, high housing costs, medical bills, and other living expenses, which make it difficult for them to afford food.

What strategies are people in New York using to cope with hunger?

People in New York cope with hunger by relying on food assistance programs, purchasing cheaper and less nutritious food, or going without food altogether.

What is the UN's goal for hunger by 2030?

The UN aims to achieve zero hunger by the year 2030.

What progress has been made toward solving the global hunger crisis?

The number of hungry people has halved over the past 25 years, agricultural productivity has improved, economic growth has helped tackle issues like undernourishment and food insecurity, and food systems have become more sustainable.

What innovative solutions are being used to address food waste?

Wasted food is being recycled and used to grow more food, while packaging has been made edible and reduced in size.

What is the key to solving the global hunger crisis?

The key to solving the global hunger crisis is ensuring that everyone has equal and reliable access to affordable, healthy food.