What is UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG) 2: Zero Hunger?

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Have you ever felt stressed about not being able to afford groceries? Or did you have to pick a less healthy food alternative in the grocery store because it's cheaper?

If you did, you're not alone. Approximately 28.9% (2.33 billion) people in the world face food insecurity. This means they don’t always know where their next meal will come from. And about one-third of people on the planet cannot afford healthy food, which has severe long-term impacts on public health.

This is why the United Nations created Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2): Zero Hunger!

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global objectives adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

These goals aim to create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world by 2030, focusing on areas like quality education, clean energy, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption.

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Achieving the SDGs requires global collaboration, innovative solutions, and a shared commitment to building a future that benefits both people and the planet.

Check out this Byte to learn more about SDGs.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger is one of the most urgent goals because access to food is a fundamental human right. Even then, all SDGs are interconnected:

• Decreasing unemployment and providing more work opportunities will help more people to be able to afford healthier food.

• When people get to consume healthier food, they'll have fewer long-term health issues.

• When food is grown in environmentally sustainable ways, our water, air, and soil are cleaner.

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Food Insecurity Defined

The United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) defines food insecurity as: when a person lacks regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life.

Levels of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity can be mild, moderate, or severe.

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The FAO's publication, the 2023 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World reported some statistics about people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity:

• 28.9% of the world — that's 2.33 billion people!

• 58% of Africans

• 28.2% in Latin America and the Caribbean

• 24.8% in Asia

• 26.5% in Oceania

Food insecurity can exist in your own communities. For example, 8.7 million Canadians (or 22.9%) faced food insecurity in 2023.

Hunger exists not because we don’t produce enough food, but because of certain barriers:

• Corporatization of food: Large companies control how food is made, sold, and distributed, often caring more about profit than sustainability, nutrition, or local businesses.

• Food waste: About one-third of all food goes to waste, even though millions of people don’t have enough to eat.

• Climate change: Extreme weather makes farming unpredictable and harder to produce food.

• War/Conflict: People in war zones often go hungry because food supplies are cut off and farms are destroyed.

• Economic inequality: Many people can't afford healthy food, even when it's available.

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To fully understand food security, we must explore its five essential parts:

1. Availability: There is enough food for everyone.

2. Accessibility: Everyone, regardless of income, ability, or background, can fully access food.

3. Adequacy: Food is safe, nutritious, and produced sustainably.

4. Acceptability: Food is culturally acceptable.

5. Agency: Policies and processes support communities in achieving food security. 

These factors work together to create a food system where no one is left hungry or malnourished.

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Solving worldwide hunger isn't an easy task. It takes planning, cooperation, and long-term commitment. Organizations that focus on hunger-related issues already exist.

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United Nations Agencies

• World Food Programme (WFP) provides food aid and supporting nutrition programs.

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) focuses on research, policy, and direct support to farmers to boost agricultural productivity.

Non-governmental Organizations

• Oxfam fights inequality, climate change, and economic policies that contribute to hunger.

• Mercy Corps develops economic development and agriculture projects related to food aid.

Even small actions can contribute to ending hunger. Here’s how you can help: 

• Get political. Demand long-term solutions to food security. Contact your representatives. Protest price gouging.

• Donate to your local food bank. Help others in your community by donating your time or food items.

• Reduce food waste. Plan meals, store food properly, and support food recovery programs. 

• Support sustainable brands. Buy from ethical food producers and local farmers.  Not sure how to shop "sustainably"? Learn more about sustainable shopping for groceries to get some ideas.

• Raise awareness. Educate others about food security issues (ie. use social media, talk to friends/family).

By advocating for food security, we can all be part of the solution.

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There are many ways to make progress toward achieving SDG 2: