Learn About Hunger

Knowledge is power. Information is liberation. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.

— Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations

 

young school girl carries her books

 

Welcome to our educational hub, where you will learn more about the causes, impacts, and state of world hunger. Explore, share, and join us in the fight against hunger.

 

RESOURCE LIBRARY: FACTS SHEETS AND STATISTICS

Two women farmers

Regional Spotlight: Africa

Africa Facts and Statistics

In this fact sheet, we will look at the history of hunger in Africa and current trends, review the unique characteristics and challenges of each of the five subregions, discuss why hunger is so persistent on the continent, and touch on some of the solutions that are making a difference.

Guatemalan child drinking milk

Global Child Malnutrition

Child Malnutrition: 2022 Facts and Statistics

This 2-page fact sheet highlights the importance of nutrition for children under five, presenting progress and ongoing challenges in addressing malnutrition. It covers 2022 statistics, causes and effects of malnutrition, and a downloadable infographic on child nutrition progress, illustrating key data points and trends.

USAID photo of a woman in a food pantry

Hunger in the U.S.

United States Hunger Facts and Statistics

Why is ‘food security’ the term we use instead of hunger in the U.S.? What do the latest statistics reveal about the challenges families face in securing their next meal? Discover why food insecurity has increased for the third year in a row and explore the root causes in our latest fact sheet. Watch a short video with the key statistics and increase your knowledge about hunger in America.

Bangladesh Mother and son photo by Feed the Future

Hunger in the Asia and the Pacific

Asia and the Pacific: 2022 Facts and Statistics

Why are hunger and malnutrition so prevalent in Asia and the Pacific? Discover the regional disparities and challenges affecting food security, from economic instability and climate change to gender inequality, and explore solutions aimed at creating a healthier future for millions in our latest fact sheet.

A Mother Feeds Her Daughter Yogurt in Bangladesh

Global Hunger 101

Hunger Notes Basics: Understanding Global Hunger

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth overview of global hunger, delving into its causes, effects, and key definitions. Spanning 13 pages, the report is enriched with stories and the latest global hunger statistics from the 2024 SOFI report. Accompanying the guide is a companion video and downloadable graphics, making it a valuable resource for those looking to understand the complexities of global hunger.

Climate Change thumbnail

Climate Change 101

Hunger Notes Basics: Understanding Climate Change

This fact sheet provides an in-depth overview of climate change and its impacts on hunger. Learn how rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased natural disasters are exacerbating food insecurity worldwide. Discover the key challenges and potential solutions to mitigate these effects and promote global food security. Included in the PDF download are key definitions and additional graphics.

Take a hunger quiz! Once you have learned about hunger’s causes and impacts, test your knowledge with a hunger quiz.

 


Archived Fact Sheets and Resources

Journey through the history of hunger with our archived resources. This section serves as a repository for previous data and materials, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of hunger and the progress made over the years.

 

Enhance your knowledge with stories from people who experienced hunger and learn more from the organizations working on the front lines.

Activities and Curriculum

Whether sourced from leading organizations or crafted by our team, each activity is designed to deepen your understanding of hunger and inspire action.

  • Oxfam Hunger Banquet: Since 1974, hunger banquets have been used in group settings to create awareness of hunger and inequality. Download the toolkit for your event on Oxfam’s website.
  • Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation: This interactive tool developed by Bread for the World helps people understand the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth in the United States. The learning activity is good for both small and large groups.

 

  • World Hunger Education
    Service
    P.O. Box 29015
    Washington, D.C. 20017
  • For the past 40 years, since its founding in 1976, the mission of World Hunger Education Service is to undertake programs, including Hunger Notes, that
    • Educate the general public and target groups about the extent and causes of hunger and malnutrition in the United States and the world
    • Advance comprehension which integrates ethical, religious, social, economic, political, and scientific perspectives on the world food problem
    • Facilitate communication and networking among those who are working for solutions
    • Promote individual and collective commitments to sustainable hunger solutions.