Archive for category: Food & Hunger

Information and stories on food.

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Women-led Community Kitchens in Peru Fight Hunger

Community Kitchens in PeruFood insecurity remains a serious challenge in Peru. In 2025, moderate or severe food insecurity affected 30.5% of the population, meaning about three in 10 people had difficulty accessing enough food in quantity or quality, according to Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Informatics and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (U.N.). Against this backdrop, women-led community kitchens in Peru known as ollas comunes have become an important safety net for families facing hunger.

How Ollas Comunes Work

Women-led community kitchens in Peru, or ollas comunes, operate as neighborhood food spaces where volunteers organize, cook and distribute low-cost meals. In many cases, women lead this work, turning limited resources into daily meals for families, children, older adults, migrants and other vulnerable groups.

The model expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Peruvians lost income and struggled to access food. Although many kitchens began as an emergency response, they continue to operate because food insecurity remains high. Their ability to adapt from a short-term crisis response into a lasting source of community support highlights the resilience of local volunteers and the important role ollas comunes continue to play in improving food access. By 2021, there were at least 2,000 operating in Lima.

Food Rescue and WFP Support

Following the rapid expansion of ollas comunes during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the World Food Program (WFP) launched a dedicated support project to strengthen the kitchens and improve food security. In Peru, WFP worked with partners such as Caritas, Banco de Alimentos Peru and local farmers to transport food that otherwise might have gone to waste, including potatoes, celery, strawberries, onions and grapes.

WFP and its partners distributed rescued fresh food to 2,000 ollas comunes in Lima alone, reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Through its ollas comunes project, WFP also distributed more than 8,000 metric tons of food and nonfood items, including kitchen kits, to nearly a quarter of a million people between July 2021 and July 2022.

This support addresses more than hunger. WFP also provided nutrition guidance, kitchen equipment, refrigerators, food containers and training in food safety and hygiene. These investments helped kitchens remain operational after the immediate pandemic emergency, allowing volunteers to continue serving vulnerable families while reducing food waste and improving nutrition.

Challenges Facing Community Kitchens

Peru’s Defensoría del Pueblo, or ombudsman’s office, supervised 991 ollas comunes and 2,616 comedores populares across the country. Together, these two types of food spaces served more than 200,000 users nationally — a separate, more targeted count than WFP’s broader Lima-area distribution figures above, since the two organizations tracked different programs and regions. Within that oversight sample, the supervised ollas comunes alone served 65,284 people, most of them older adults, while the comedores populares served 140,350 people, most of them women.

Although significant gaps remain, these findings have prompted renewed calls for stronger municipal investment and oversight, reflecting growing recognition of the kitchens’ importance in Peru’s food security system. The Defensoría del Pueblo found that many kitchens need stronger support from local governments, better food distribution and more oversight of public resources. About 72.5% of kitchens reported receiving no municipal support to improve equipment. The report called for action to improve the conditions of ollas comunes and comedores populares, noting their role in protecting the right to food and addressing hunger, anemia, malnutrition and other poverty-related challenges.

These findings show that community kitchens do not offer a complete solution on their own. They rely on volunteers, municipal support, equipment and steady access to food. Without these resources, women-led kitchens may struggle to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

A New Direct Purchasing Model

Peru’s Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion has introduced a pilot program that could give community kitchen members more control over food access. The ministry announced that more than 125,000 members of ollas comunes and comedores populares in metropolitan Lima will be able to purchase food directly, without intermediaries, to avoid overpricing.

The ministry said women members requested the initiative because they wanted a system that would allow them to better manage food purchases. This direct purchasing model could help kitchens stretch limited funds while reducing the risk that inflated prices will cut into meal supplies.

Looking Ahead

Women-led community kitchens in Peru show how local action can help reduce hunger during periods of crisis and economic hardship. By combining volunteer leadership, food rescue, government support and direct purchasing, ollas comunes offer one approach to improving food access in vulnerable communities.

However, their long-term success depends on continued investment. Stronger municipal support, reliable food distribution, better infrastructure and more accountability can help these kitchens remain a sustainable tool in Peru’s fight against hunger. As food insecurity continues to affect millions of Peruvians, ollas comunes show how women-led community organizing can help protect families and strengthen local resilience.

– Ben Jordan

Ben is based in Saint Louis, MO, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Farmers in Nepal Are Improving Livelihoods Through Beekeeping

Farmers in NepalNepal, a landlocked South Asian country in the Himalayas with a population of 29.6 million, has a long history of farming. However, many agricultural families face economic challenges because farm income is often not enough to comfortably provide for themselves and their families. Beekeeping could help address this issue by providing families with an additional source of income. By selling honey, farmers can earn extra money, while bees also benefit agriculture by pollinating plants.

Nepal has a poverty rate of more than 20%. Several factors contribute to these poverty levels, including limited trade opportunities due to the country’s mountainous landscape. Food insecurity is one of the challenges Nepalese citizens face. Traditional farming methods in Nepal may not always provide enough revenue or resources for families throughout the year. Income from honey production may help some households afford food and manage financial challenges better.

The Importance and History of Beekeeping

Farmers in Nepal have traditionally practiced beekeeping as part of their farming culture. Bees are important for agriculture as they help maintain biodiversity, increase crop yields and support food security. Beekeeping in Nepal benefits from the country’s climate, landscape, flowers and native bee species. Farmers face many challenges, including limited knowledge about how to sustain healthy beehives, pests and diseases that can affect their bees and competition from cheaper honey imports such as those from China.

How Modern Training Can Improve Beekeeping Practices

In traditional beekeeping practices, farmers would keep their bee colonies in log wall hives. However, this system is ineffective as beekeepers need to check on the bees to make sure they are all healthy and to collect honey. But with the old traditional hives, this was hard to do without injuring the honeycomb or killing a few bees in the process. This created a need for modern techniques and equipment to make beekeeping more efficient.

One program that is working to help modernize the practice is the Dzi Foundation. The nonprofit works with farming communities in Nepal to build lasting change and give farmers the tools needed to help their farms and communities prosper. The Foundation offers a five-day training program on modern beekeeping practices that participants can implement on their own farms. With more modern hive designs, beekeepers can keep better track of their bees without harming them, manage multiple hives and increase honey production. Most hives usually produce about 8 to 10 kilograms of honey per year, depending on the bee species, and the honey sells for 1,500 Nepali rupees (NPR) per kilogram. The foundation has helped about 61,000 people since its establishment in 1998 through its various programs, including beekeeping.

Programs Supporting Beekeeping Communities

Sharing Seeds, a nonprofit based in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, Nepal, is another organization doing its part. They organize the project “Empower Nepal’s Organic Coffee and Beekeeping.” Beekeeping projects can provide training and opportunities for rural families, women and young people. Many youths leave the country to find work elsewhere, as there are not many opportunities. However, the work they find abroad could be dangerous and low-paying. Every year, around 650,000 Nepali youths travel to foreign countries for work, but this initiative creates opportunities for them to stay in Nepal and provide for their families.

This initiative gives women, young people and small farmers the necessary skills to help them feel confident in their beekeeping and coffee farming abilities to bring back to their farms. Their goal in the next three years is to get 200 farmers involved in coffee farming and improve their beekeeping skills. They have already helped more than 100 farmers through their program in both coffee and beekeeping.

The Nepal Pollination Project (NPP), Upscaling Pollination to Enhance Biodiversity and Human Welfare in Nepal, is a four-year project in collaboration with the United Kingdom (U.K.) government’s Darwin Initiative. Its goal is to improve pollination, sustain biodiversity and protect human well-being. The project aims to strengthen local communities through improved pollination, biodiversity protection and farmer training. Part of the initiative includes a four-day training course to teach the basics of beekeeping. In the training sessions, farmers learn about bee behavior, hive management, swarm control and disease prevention. Since the program launched in 2025, organizers have already completed four training sessions. By the end of 2026, their mission is to train 175 farmers. The project has already served more than 110 farmers.

Beekeeping is an important part of Nepal’s farming communities and history. Through modern training and improved practices, farmers in Nepal can strengthen their beekeeping skills and create new economic opportunities for rural communities. Honey production may help some families manage financial challenges and improve their access to resources in rural communities.

– Sarina Nadelson

Sarina is based in New Haven, CT, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Managing Food Waste In Singapore: Zero-Waste Nation

Food Waste In SingaporeFood waste accounts for 11% of Singapore’s total waste and has placed pressure on the country’s only landfill, which is expected to reach capacity by 2035. To address the problem, Singapore has introduced initiatives to manage food waste, including recycling, redistribution and treatment. Managing food waste in Singapore will support the country’s goal of becoming a zero-waste nation while helping reduce poverty and food insecurity in its communities.

Poverty in Singapore affects many citizens in different ways. Around 25% of Singaporeans live in relative poverty, while 3% live in absolute poverty, meaning they cannot meet basic standards of living. One major effect of poverty includes food insecurity, as many households cannot afford nutritional necessities.

Connection Between Poverty and Food Waste

Global hunger is connected to food waste in ways that many people do not realize. Food waste totals nearly one trillion United States dollars (USD) each year, equivalent to around one billion meals every day. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that reversing this trend could provide enough food for two billion people.

A 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization found that 9.5% of Singapore’s population, or more than 500,000 people, experienced moderate to severe food insecurity between 2022 and 2024. Severe food insecurity affected 3.5% of the population in the same period. The prevalence of food insecurity in Singapore has roughly tripled since 2014 to 2016, according to the same report. Locally, the Singapore Hunger Report found that about 10% of Singaporean households experienced food insecurity in the past year. These trends worsened following the effects of COVID-19.

A common misconception about world hunger is that the world does not produce enough food. However, according to the World Food Programme, nearly one-fifth of all food is wasted before it can be consumed. The world produces enough food, but insufficient distribution and lack of intervention left an estimated 8.3% of the global population facing hunger in 2024. Since 2019, Singapore has actively addressed food waste management by developing new legislation and programs within its communities.

Singapore’s Solutions

The Resource Sustainability Act 2019 (RSA) came into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The Act requires producers to bear the cost of collecting and treating products after consumers discard them. This encourages recyclable packaging and a reduction in packaging waste while also creating proper separation and treatment of food waste. Through the 3R approach — reduce, reuse and recycle — treated food waste becomes animal feed, compost or energy.

The Packaging Partnership Programme, a development program run by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and National Environment Agency (NEA), has held a forum providing collaboration for sustainable packaging and hosted sessions that help businesses implement sustainable packaging and strategies on waste reduction.

On Jan. 1, 2025, the government enacted the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 2024 to further reduce food waste. The Act encourages businesses and individuals to donate excess food to low-income communities. Around one in 10 households in Singapore experience food insecurity, so this legislation aims to encourage food donations and support these residents.

The Tampines North Citizens’ Consultative Committee has also taken initiative by providing fridges around Tampines, a region in Singapore, where community members can place excess food for those in need to access. The NEA supports 150 schools each year in creating food waste reduction activities. According to the National Environment Agency, “food waste has reduced from 17.9kg to less than 10kg per day in Greendale Primary School, and from 24kg to 17.5kg per day in Admiralty Primary School.”

Importance of Managing Food Waste in Singapore

By encouraging food donations, Singapore can reduce food insecurity while moving closer to its goal of becoming a zero-waste nation. When Singapore manages food waste through redistribution and reallocation based on household needs, more opportunities arise, such as relief in food spending, health care and education.

Since enacting these laws, the Singaporean government reports that Singapore’s daily non-domestic waste generated per dollar of gross domestic product has decreased by more than 30% over the last decade — from 40 tonnes in 2013 to 26 tonnes in 2023. Separating economic development from waste generation gives lower-income households greater access to essential goods. The government expects these trends to continue as Singapore works toward becoming a zero-waste nation.

– Jacquelyn Orr

Jacquelyn is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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7 Facts About Hunger in Burkina Faso

Hunger in Burkina FasoConflict, the changing climate and displacement are major drivers of food insecurity in Burkina Faso, hindering progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations and local communities are working to improve food security and strengthen long-term resilience. The following are seven key facts about hunger in Burkina Faso.

1. Millions of People Face Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a persistent challenge in Burkina Faso. About 13% of the population faces acute food insecurity and are undernourished. Conflict and climate-related issues have made it increasingly difficult for families to access nutritious food. Rising food prices and limited agricultural land further hinder households from meeting basic nutritional needs. These factors continue to drive hunger in Burkina Faso.

2. Conflict Has Forced Millions From Their Homes

Prolonged insecurity has displaced about 2.1 million people in Burkina Faso. Many families have left their homes, farms and livelihoods, disrupting agricultural production and food supply chains. The northern and eastern regions are especially affected with communities often facing crisis-level food insecurity and depending on humanitarian aid and military-escorted convoys for food and essential supplies.

3. Children Are Bearing the Brunt of the Crisis

Children are especially vulnerable to hunger in Burkina Faso. Save the Children reports that about 1.4 million children face a hunger crisis. During the annual lean season, conditions worsen with projections indicating that around 210,000 children could experience emergency hunger levels. One in seven children may face at least crisis-level food insecurity. In conflict-affected areas, limited access to education and health services further compounds hunger.

4. Malnutrition Continues To Threaten Child Development

Hunger has serious consequences beyond food shortages. About 19.5% of children under five are stunted, which impairs physical and cognitive development. Another 9.8% experience wasting, a life-threatening form of undernutrition. Recent assessments estimate that more than 425,000 children aged 6 to 59 months will face acute malnutrition, including more than 110,000 severe cases.

5. Changing Weather Is Making Hunger Worse

Burkina Faso is in the Sahel, a region highly vulnerable to changing weather. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather threaten agricultural production and food availability. As many families rely on farming, poor harvests quickly lead to food shortages and income loss. Climate pressures also increase the vulnerability of communities already affected by insecurity and displacement, contributing to hunger in Burkina Faso.

6. Hunger Has Links To Broader Health Challenges

Food insecurity is closely linked to poor health outcomes. Limited access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare leads to high illness rates among children and families. Recent analyses show that diarrheal disease and respiratory infections significantly contribute to malnutrition in many areas. Poor hygiene and limited safe drinking water further worsen nutrition, making recovery from hunger and illness more difficult for vulnerable populations.

7. Organizations Are Investing in Long-Term Solutions

Despite ongoing challenges, organizations in Burkina Faso are developing sustainable solutions. The Hunger Project, active since 1997, currently supports more than 222,000 people through community-led development initiatives.

The Hunger Project has worked in Burkina Faso since 1997, using its community-led “epicenter strategy” to help rural communities become self-reliant. The approach combines improvements in agriculture, nutrition, education, microfinance, water and sanitation and women’s leadership. Communities identify their own priorities and create local action plans rather than relying on externally imposed solutions. The organization reports that 12 epicenters, serving more than 280,000 people across 169 villages, have achieved self-reliance or are working toward it, while several epicenters have already graduated from direct support. 

Right2Grow began operating in Burkina Faso in 2021 as part of a five-year international partnership focused on reducing child malnutrition and improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The program works by strengthening local advocacy groups, training community leaders, supporting civil society organizations and helping citizens hold governments accountable for nutrition and WASH commitments. In Burkina Faso, Right2Grow has worked with parliamentarians, journalist networks and nutrition advocacy groups to support implementation of the country’s National Multisectoral Nutrition Policy. By 2023, the program had helped train journalist and communicator networks on nutrition issues, strengthened regional advocacy groups and contributed to nutrition and WASH awareness campaigns that reached more than one million people.

Looking Ahead

While Burkina Faso still faces major challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, continued investment in agriculture, nutrition and community development provides hope. By supporting vulnerable families and building local resilience, these initiatives help communities move toward a future without hunger.

– Jessica Begg

Jessica is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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What to Know About Food Systems in Fiji

Food Systems in FijiThe food systems in Fiji influence everything from public health to economic opportunity. The Pacific island nation relies on domestic agriculture, fisheries and imported goods to feed its population. While Fiji has made progress in expanding access to food, rising import costs, climate-related disasters and nutrition challenges continue to affect communities across the country. In response, government agencies, farmers and development organizations are working to strengthen food security and build a more resilient food system.

According to the Food Systems Dashboard, Fiji is experiencing an increase in diet-related health issues, including obesity and diabetes, resulting from increased consumption of imported and processed foods. While traditional diets still feature local root crops, fruits, vegetables and seafood, imported food also plays a significant role in meeting consumer demand.

Challenges in Fiji’s Food Systems 

The University of Southern Pacific reports that climate challenges, extreme weather events, natural disasters and shifting dietary habits are the leading challenges to domestic food production and nutrition. In 2023, Fiji imported $1.106 billion in crops and livestock from more than 70 countries, primarily Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia and Singapore. 

This reliance on imported foods can leave Fiji vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and rising global food prices. According to the Food Systems Dashboard, the country also faces a dual burden of malnutrition, with 7% of the population experiencing undernourishment, while obesity and diet-related diseases continue to rise. These challenges place additional pressure on low-income families that already struggle to afford nutritious food, as 57% of the population cannot afford a healthy diet.  

Poverty in Fiji

Agriculture remains an important part of Fiji’s economy and a major source of employment in rural communities. According to the World Bank, poverty affects more than 45,700 households in Fiji. Approximately 24.1% of the population lives below the national poverty line, while rates rise to 36.2% among households living in rural and maritime communities, which also experience higher transportation costs and greater exposure to climate-related disasters. When floods, cyclones and other extreme weather events damage crops and infrastructure, families often experience reduced incomes and limited access to affordable food.

Strengthening local food production can help communities increase household incomes while reducing dependence on costly imported goods. Investments in agriculture, fisheries and rural infrastructure also create opportunities for economic growth in areas where poverty rates remain highest.

Government Efforts to Strengthen Food Security

In October 2025, Fiji’s government launched its Food and Nutrition Security Policy, a consolidation of food, nutrition and climate initiatives to address the challenges of food insecurity and poverty.

Government leaders developed the framework through consultations with stakeholders to create a more coordinated approach to food production, distribution and consumption while helping communities adapt to climate-related risks. 

According to the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub, the policy supports collaboration among government agencies, researchers, farmers and development partners to improve access to nutritious food, strengthen local food production and build resilience against climate-related disruptions. By connecting agricultural development with public health objectives, policymakers expect to improve long-term food access and nutrition outcomes throughout the country.

Additionally, the International Trade Administration found Fiji’s agricultural sector to be a crucial component of its economy. Providing jobs for 83% of its rural residents, 36% of the total employed population. Despite the high financial costs and deficient access to modern equipment and technology, the government is offering tax incentives to private investors for non-sugar agriculture with a desire to provide sustainable practices, improve infrastructure and foster resident communities.

A More Resilient Food System 

Food systems in Fiji play a critical role in supporting public health, economic development and food security. While the country continues to face challenges from changing weather patterns, rising food imports and nutrition-related health concerns, government agencies and local stakeholders are taking steps to strengthen domestic food production and improve access to nutritious foods. Through initiatives such as the Food and Nutrition Security Policy and continued investment in agriculture, Fiji is progressing toward a more resilient food system that can support communities and reduce vulnerability to poverty in the years ahead.

– Ashley Belling

Ashley is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Celebs and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Everything To Know About Hunger in Chile

Hunger in ChileChile is a country in South America with a population of about 21 million. Compared to other countries in the region, hunger is not one of its major problems. It scores less than five on the Global Hunger Index. This puts it in the top 25 countries in terms of GHI. As positive as this is, this doesn’t tell everything there is to know about hunger in Chile.

Everything To Know About Hunger in Chile

Food insecurity has typically not affected Chile in the same way as it has other Latin American countries. The statistics on it can be quite misleading. The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) is a set of goals aimed at halving the number of people suffering from malnutrition. In 2015, it was the first country to do this, but on the flip side, 28.2 % of the country’s population still suffered from malnutrition. Even in just the last 10 years, food security has become a real issue. It affected 17.3% of the population in 2023, whereas it now affects more than three million people.

Why Has This Happened?

Hunger in Chile really comes down to two main issues, agriculture and migration.

Technology is advancing, and in most cases, these are positive steps forward. However, farmers in Chile have struggled to keep up. Statistics from the Chilean government show that indigenous agriculture and family-owned farms make up about 73% of the total agricultural units in the country. This means that they are more likely to use older and less efficient equipment than adopt modern ways of farming, which naturally has resulted in slower production.

Also, according to the Migration Policy Centre, the growing concern of climate unpredictability is causing farmers to leave rural areas for the city. These issues combined are resulting in less and less production of food for both themselves and the broader public.

Migration

The other issue affecting food security is migration. Migration has spiked in recent years in Chile, and this is causing the demographics of the country to change quite significantly. Between 2018 and 2023, there was a 47% increase in the foreign population. The vast majority of migrants are coming from other Latin American countries, mainly Venezuela (38%), amongst others. Migrants are an at–risk group, and food insecurity usually disproportionately affects them. In particular, migrant women often find it harder to afford a place to live, especially with the current high cost of living in Chile. This, paired with their finding it harder to access the necessary support networks, means migrant women are at a higher risk of suffering malnutrition.

Solutions

Unfortunately, the issue of migration continues to cause real concern regarding food security, especially for the migrants themselves. In regard to farming, the Chilean government has been stepping up to help alleviate some of its agricultural issues. In January 2024, it invested $50 million in a project with specific goals set out to tackle its food security concerns.

The first is to modernize Chilean farms and farmers themselves. The government set out to educate farmers through digital means, while also helping to monitor progress on farms through technological advancement.

As part of the investment plan, new technology is now also helping to prevent diseases and pests from harming the land and livestock.

As mentioned previously, the climate is a major concern for farmers, whether it be to continue to grow food or just to simply live in that area and not have to migrate to the city. This is why, as part of this investment, risk management has become a major factor. The government expanded the coverage of the Red Agroclimatologica Nacional (RAN), which is the National Agro – Meteorological Network of Chile.

It is not only the government that is helping to slow down the rate of food insecurity. An NGO called Fundacion Social Amar Das is a Chilean-based nonprofit, started in 2019, that sets out to “support the hope of the hopeless in Chile,” as its website says. GlobalGiving has vetted it and recognizes it, and volunteers who deliver food directly to people who are often homeless run it. Through donations, it is actively improving the lives of many.

Looking Ahead

The goals that the government set out are now slowly changing the path on which Chile was headed concerning food security. Chile is becoming more proactive, rather than reactive, in regard its farming policies. There is still much work that the country needs to do, but as these plans take shape, the Chilean people, especially the migrant population, have hope for a more secure and prosperous future.

 – Oisin Downes

Oisin is based in Galway, Ireland and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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NanumVitamin and Undernourishment in South Korea

Undernourishment in South KoreaAlthough South Korea is not in a crisis of extreme poverty, with an ever-increasing ageing population and an uneven social welfare system, the female-founded NanumVitamin has created an online platform where small businesses and consumers can help connect, share, and fund warm meals for children to help tackle poverty and undernourishment in South Korea. Naviyam’s app grants children access to free or low-cost meals from local businesses, allowing more people to have a burden-free bowl of warm rice every day.

Poverty in South Korea

As of the latest reports from 2021, South Korea has a very low rate of extreme poverty, measured as living on less than $3 a day, at 0.1% of the general population. However, considering the relative poverty rate, the picture is slightly different. The relative poverty rate is 15.1%, which means 15.1% of households in South Korea receive 50% or less than the average household income across South Korea. Although this rate has been decreasing gradually since 2011, there is clear room for improvement.

Ageing Population

South Korea’s picture of poverty becomes even more interesting when looking at demographics within the relative poverty rate. The relative poverty rate jumps from 15.1% of the general population to 39.3% for those over 66 and retired; this is the highest rate for any country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which promotes free market and trade policies, according to the 2023 SDG report.

In large, this is because the population of South Korea also happens to be ageing faster than any other OECD country. These statistics also reveal the uneven distribution of social protection and welfare systems in South Korea across the course of one’s life. While working-age households receive income stabilization, transitioning into retirement is a shift away from security and into economic precarity.

Children, Poverty, and Undernourishment in South Korea

Looking at the age category for children (under 18 years of age), the relative poverty rate is 9.9%, according to the 2023 SDG report. While this statistic appears much better than that for the over-66 age group, when looking closer at factors of multidimensional poverty, the situation remains concerning, especially when looking at eliminating poverty by 2030 in accordance with the U.N. SDG.

A 2018 survey revealed that 19% of children did not have access to fruits daily, 16% of children did not have access to meat, fish, or vegetables at least once a day, and 12% of children in South Korea did not have three meals a day. In 2020, 18.9% of the population was considered to be undernourished, meaning that their energy intake was less than 75% of the required amount, as well as deficiencies in key vitamins and mineral intake, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

These revelations reveal that looking at income is not enough to ensure that households have access to balanced nutrition, which can, of course, exacerbate health problems, leading to further social and financial stress for the household.

NanumVitamin and Naviyam

In 2023, Hayeon Kim decided to tackle these issues of poverty and undernourishment in South Korea and founded NanumVitamin, a warm meal sharing platform that helps to ensure that children in South Korea have access to balanced meals for free or low cost. The platform itself functions as a social support network. It helps to connect children from low-income households who are concerned about skipping meals with local stores where they can use digital vouchers to access warm, nutritious meals for free or at a heavily discounted price.

NanumVitamin works in conjunction with local governments, businesses and companies such as Woowa Brothers, a large domestic food-delivery service, to provide these services. Similarly, other consumers of the app can help to cover meals for children on the app. Businesses that work to provide these free or low-cost meals also benefit from their work by being marketed as a ‘good small business owner’ by Naviyam. They also continue their social impact through organising campaigns that deliver lunch boxes to ensure sufficient nourishment for those children in poverty.

Named as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 for social impact, Hayeon Kim and her technology-focused business have helped more than 30,000 people access warm meals with dignity across 60,000 local stores, cafes and businesses, helping also to improve both the physical and mental health of the beneficiaries.

Looking Ahead

NanumVitamin and Naviyam’s meal-sharing platform, which helps to tackle poverty and undernourishment in South Korea, offers an interesting system and strategy using technology and apps that hold great potential to help tackle several other Sustainable Development Goals across the globe.

– Stephanie Gable

Stephanie is based in Wales, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Systems in Northern Ireland Are Growing Stronger

Food Systems in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland is a region of the United Kingdom (U.K.) made up of six counties on the northeast side of the island of Ireland. The Government of Ireland Act separated Northern Ireland from the independent Republic of Ireland in 1921. In more recent history, the region has struggled with issues of food insecurity. In 2010, an estimated 28% of Northern Irish adults and 23% of their children were experiencing food poverty. However, the situation has drastically improved, with only 9% of households in Northern Ireland reporting food insecurity concerns as of 2025. Here are some factors that have helped improve food systems in Northern Ireland in recent years:

1. Brexit 

In January 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew its membership from the European Union. The U.K. signed the Brexit referendum four years prior, in 2016. Brexit has caused a variety of financial effects, some positive and some negative. It has also enabled the U.K. to create more tailored legislation targeting the roots of food insecurity across the country.

The U.K. Department for Environment, Food & Rural affairs released a statement in July 2025 detailing plans for new food systems legislation to combat hunger and malnourishment specifically affecting children and rural populations. This food strategy aims to create a “good food cycle” by uplifting British farmers, improving agrifood trade relations with the European Union and combat biodiversity loss to allow for more balanced diets. After separating from the EU, the U.K. has shifted its focus to reprioritize food systems at a nationwide level that support its citizens financially and physically.

2. Increased Community Involvement

The Food, Farming & Countryside Commission (FFCC) has directed its attention to amplifying the voices of community members and local farmers in order to strengthen food systems in Northern Ireland. The FFCC has been operating as an independent commission since 2017. In the last two years, it has succeeded in bridging communication between the U.K.’s citizens and government through initiatives such as The Food Conversation and reports including “The False Economy of Big Food” and “Paying the Price.” The action items the FFCC is currently prioritizing include: 

  • Increasing trust between the FFCC, Northern Irish Farmers and Northern Irish people by assembling meetings across various sectors of government and community leadership.
  • Fostering relationships and networks of support between farmers across the region. This includes educational opportunities to increase Northern Ireland’s agricultural production.
  • Bringing citizens and government leaders together for important discussions on what the people want and need from their food systems.
  • Establishing and implementing a common Land Use Framework across Northern Ireland’s estimated 25,000 farms.

3. Technological Innovation 

Improving technologies in the agriculture and supply chain sectors have a high potential to continue improving the efficacy of food systems in Northern Ireland and globally. One example of a recent promising innovation for Northern Irish food security is the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework which Oxford University researchers developed at their Environmental Change Institute. The Institute launched this framework in 2025 and aims to deliver “environmental, economic and social stability by 2050” through tracking all stages of food production and distribution in Northern Ireland and optimizing the process by metrics of sustainability and affordability. 

Dr. Alice Gilmour is the lead author of the study responsible for designing the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework. When asked about what the framework will help to accomplish, she stated: 

“This framework will help policymakers and food systems stakeholders avoid a siloed approach as it provides the wider context of the entire food system. It brings together insights from industry, NGOs, government, and academia to guide smarter, more sustainable decisions.” This new technology is capable of identifying gaps in the food systems of Northern Ireland and the U.K. more broadly and problem-solving outside of the often “siloed” thinking of regulatory bodies. With this information, the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework will suggest more informed and optimally beneficial solutions for governmental, industry and research approaches to how the U.K. grows and distributes its food.

Looking Ahead

Food insecurity and malnutrition rates in Northern Ireland have improved by 14% for children and 19% for adult populations in the past decade. These positive margins come as a direct result of increased community involvement, implementation of new technologies and reformed socioeconomic policies that better reflect the U.K.’s specific interests. Initiatives like the ones highlighted in this article project to minimize and hope to eradicate food insecurity and strengthen food systems in Northern Ireland and across the U.K. within the next two decades.

– Natalie Naylor

Natalie is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Protecting Nutrition Security in Rwanda amid USAID crisis

Nutrition Security in RwandaFrom receiving approximately $12.7 billion from USAID grants in 2024, to the slashing and the cancelling of USAID programs in 2026, Africa faces reductions in multiple life-saving programs focusing on HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health and nutrition.

In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 55 million people face severe food shortages, and more than 13 million children could suffer severe malnutrition. Across the region, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger are the most affected by the cancellation of nutrition programs, with malnutrition levels inching towards critical and mortality rates among children skyrocketing. Rwanda also faces similar challenges due to the cuts in USAID; however, they are positioned better than neighbouring countries. Proactive planning, policy implementation, health services and nutrition programs underlay the long-term efforts towards nutrition security in Rwanda, enabling them to withstand the shocking blow of aid cuts.

The Long-Term Plan to Establish Nutrition Security in Rwanda

Rwanda’s government has taken a proactive, autonomous approach to direct foreign aid into investing and developing its own aid programs. This ensured the maximum and most efficient use of the foreign aid provided, and Rwanda used this to build a long-term nutrition security plan that cushioned the country during the aid cuts.

Rwanda’s National Food and Nutrition Policy served as a basis for the strategic plan from 2013 to 2018, including a framework for fortified foods for mothers and children, school milk programs, and community awareness campaigns, including the following programs, which have delivered results amid the aid crisis.

Shisha Kibondo

This program saw the local production of a range of nutrient-dense fortified blended food (FBF) products under the brand Shisha Kibondo. These supplements are freely distributed among children younger than 2 years. Pregnant mothers also receive a locally produced maize-corn flour blend with a vitamin/mineral premix. The FBP distribution has contributed to the reduction in child stunting from 33% in 2020 to 27% in 2025, and an overall increase in food security among Rwanda’s households, enabling more than 80% of them to get three meals a day. This data has been uninterrupted by disruptions due to the global pandemic or the aid cuts.

Iron Beans

Iron deficiency is prevalent among Rwandans. Notably, 19% of pregnant women and 37% of the children under the age of 5 suffer from iron deficiency anaemia. To specifically combat these numbers, the Rwanda Agriculture Board and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, in partnership with HarvestPlus, introduced iron-fortified bean varieties to Rwandan farmers and provided them with training for suitable agricultural practices. They also worked with the private sector to scale up production and delivery of the iron beans. The ministries of Education and Agriculture have encouraged adding these iron beans to school feeding programs. These iron beans quickly reduce iron deficiency and anaemia among consumers, and enhance their cognitive and physical capabilities.

Feeding Programs

Among multiple school feeding programs, the National Early Childhood Development Programme funded the “One Cup of Milk per Child” program, ensuring pre-primary and primary students receive milk servings two times a week across 19 districts in Rwanda. The overall aim of the program was to improve the nutritional status of students and to encourage them to pursue their education. These feeding programs helped reduce dropout rates among the children, with dropout rates declining by half since 2021 and encouraged students who previously left school to return and pursue their education.

Nutrition and Hygiene Awareness Programs

Community Health Workers (CHW) are responsible for providing health care services within the community. CHWs also implement nutritional interventions, train and educate parents and caregivers in proper nutrition and hygiene practises, and regularly monitor and support households at risk. The CHW network helps contribute to the decline in stunting among children and the reduction of mortality rates among children and pregnant women. While families benefit from CHWs’ guidance, they are sometimes unable to implement the required recommendations and may need additional resources and support to protect their families from nutrition-related tragedies.

By investing in nutrition security in Rwanda, the government was able to maintain core services and protect its citizens, while its neighbours bore the brunt of aid cuts. As the effects of aid cuts continue to ripple across the region, Rwanda’s model of self-sufficiency offers a blueprint for cultivating permanent systems instead of fostering reliance and dependency.

– Nishtha Mahendra Kumar

Nishtha is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need To Know About Hunger in Nepal

Hunger in NepalDespite improvements in recent years, hunger in Nepal remains a significant challenge. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 16.5% of the population was food insecure in October 2024, and about 4.81 million people were consuming inadequate diets.

The country’s overall hunger level is classified as “moderate” by the Global Hunger Index, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. Malnutrition remains one of the most serious aspects of the problem. Limited dietary diversity and poor access to nutritious food contribute to long-term health issues, particularly among women and children.

The Geography of Hunger in Nepal

Geography plays a central role in shaping hunger in Nepal. Mountain regions are among the most isolated in South Asia, with limited road networks and difficult terrain. Transporting food to these areas is costly and time-consuming, which drives up the price of basic staples.

According to the World Food Programme, food prices are two to three times higher in mountain regions, even when national food prices remain relatively stable. Limited farmland, harsh weather conditions and seasonal isolation also make it difficult for many communities to produce enough food locally. As a result, households in remote regions are more vulnerable to shortages and price shocks.

What Drives Hunger in Nepal?

Several interconnected factors contribute to hunger in Nepal, with poverty remaining one of the most important drivers. In rural areas, employment opportunities are limited and many households depend on small-scale agriculture, but limited land and low productivity restrict income and food production. For example, the average farm size is only about 0.7 hectares, and more than half of farming households cultivate less than 0.5 hectares, making it difficult to produce enough food beyond subsistence levels.

Changing weather patterns and environmental hazards also intensify food insecurity. Natural disasters such as floods and landslides frequently damage crops and disrupt food systems, while many farmers rely on rainfall because only just over half of Nepal’s agricultural land has irrigation.

Geographic and infrastructural challenges further compound the problem. Food access is particularly limited in mountainous regions, and child stunting rates reach 46.8% in mountain areas compared with 36.7% in the Terai, highlighting regional inequalities in nutrition and food access. Poor infrastructure and limited market connectivity in remote areas make it more difficult for farmers to transport food and access markets, reinforcing existing food insecurity.

Progress Made in Reducing Hunger

Despite these challenges, Nepal has made notable progress in reducing hunger in Nepal over the past two decades. Economic recovery and steady development have helped improve household incomes and strengthen food access.

The country’s GDP growth increased from 1.9% in 2023 to 3.9% in 2024, with projections reaching around 5% in 2025. 

Food insecurity has also declined compared with recent years. While 16.5% of Nepalis were food insecure in 2024, this represents a 6.4-percentage-point drop from the peak recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Programs Tackling Food Insecurity

Several initiatives are working to address hunger in Nepal. The World Food Programme has been supporting food security programs in the country since 1963, assisting vulnerable communities and responding to disasters.

One key initiative is the national school feeding programme, which in January 2026 expanded when 1,039 schools in Sudurpaschim Province were integrated into Nepal’s Mid-Day Meals Programme.

Nutrition education programmes initiated by the World Food Programme are also helping communities improve diets. Cooking demonstrations and training sessions have taught thousands of caregivers how to prepare healthier meals using locally available ingredients.

However, experts note that most nutrition policies in Nepal have historically focused on undernutrition, with far less attention given to overnutrition and diet-related diseases. While undernutrition remains a major concern, Nepal is increasingly facing a “double burden” of malnutrition, where both undernutrition and obesity coexist. For instance, 35.8% of children under five were stunted and 11% suffered acute malnutrition in 2016, indicating persistent undernutrition. At the same time, rates of overweight and obesity are rising: 22.8% of women and 19.1% of men were classified as overweight, and overweight among women aged 15–49 increased from 13% in 2011 to 21% in 2016. 

Diet-related health risks are also growing, with noncommunicable diseases accounting for about 66% of total deaths in Nepal. These trends are linked to limited access to diverse, nutritious foods and changing dietary patterns, particularly in geographically isolated areas where access to fresh foods can be restricted.

Changing Weather and the Future of Food

Agriculture remains central to Nepal’s economy and food system, but changing weather patterns are increasingly shaping how farmers produce food. Changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events threaten crops and rural livelihoods. To strengthen resilience, initiatives such as Farmer Nutrition Schools have trained about 4,000 smallholder farmers in climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. These programs promote techniques such as improved irrigation, composting and crop diversification to help farmers adapt to environmental pressures.

The Road Ahead

Nepal’s progress in addressing hunger in Nepal shows that sustained investment in nutrition, agriculture and social protection can make a difference. Yet geography, climate risks and persistent inequalities continue to shape who benefits most from that progress.

Experts say that while Nepal has adopted numerous food and nutrition policies, many lack clear implementation and monitoring mechanisms, limiting their long-term impact.

Strengthening these systems, alongside improving road networks, supporting climate-resilient agriculture and expanding nutrition programs, will be essential to ensuring that all Nepalis have reliable access to nutritious food.

– Sayanee Mandal

Sayanee is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash