Global Food Waste Crisis Worsens as Hunger Intensifies Worldwide

(MENAFN) Despite widespread hunger affecting millions, an enormous portion of the world’s food supply continues to be discarded. As stated by reports citing the UN’s food agency, nearly 1.3 billion tons of food—approximately one-third of total global production—is wasted, even as over 3 million children die annually from hunger-related causes.

To highlight this contradiction, the UN has chosen “food waste” as the central theme for this year’s International Zero Waste Day, observed on March 30. The initiative calls on governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to take coordinated action at every level to reduce waste.

Data compiled from global assessments of food crises indicates that hunger is worsening. In 2024, more than 295 million people across 53 countries and territories experienced acute food insecurity, marking an increase of 13.7 million compared to the previous year, according to.

Severe hunger hotspots expand

Roughly 1.4 million individuals around the world are currently enduring the most extreme stage of food insecurity—famine conditions.

Among the hardest-hit areas, Gaza ranks first with 640,600 people affected. It is followed closely by Sudan with 637,200, while South Sudan accounts for 83,500 cases. Yemen reports 41,200 individuals facing famine-level conditions, alongside Haiti with 8,400 and Mali with 2,600.

Beyond famine, more than 30 million people globally are experiencing Level 4 acute food crises, a critical stage just below famine. Sudan again leads with 8.1 million people impacted, followed by Yemen with 5.5 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo has 3.9 million affected, Afghanistan 3.1 million, and Myanmar 2.8 million. South Sudan reports 2.4 million, Haiti 2.1 million, Pakistan 1.7 million, Nigeria 1.2 million, and Gaza, Palestine records 1.1 million individuals in this category.

Children bear the heaviest burden

Young populations remain especially vulnerable amid the growing crisis. UN data shows that more than 3 million children die each year due to hunger-related causes. Additionally, about 43 million children worldwide suffer from severe hunger, while nearly 45% of deaths among children under five are associated with hunger and malnutrition.

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