November 17, 2023

On today's show, Adrian and Ethan discuss the growing problem of hunger around the world.


The world is hungrier than ever in 2023, with children in poverty among the most vulnerable. According to World Food Program, as many as 828 million people will go to bed hungry each night, and extreme weather, rising costs, and conflict continue to worsen the global food crisis.

More than 333 million people are facing acute levels of food insecurity in 2023, and do not know where their next meal is coming from. This constitutes a staggering rise of almost 200 million people compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

Unlike in the United States and other high food security countries, there are no safety nets for food-insecure households in low-income countries. There are no food banks, food pantries, or government food-assistance programs.

Conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes and soaring fertilizer prices are combining to create a food crisis of unprecedented proportions.

In the United States, one in 8 households (12.8 percent) experienced food insecurity, or lack of access to an affordable, nutritious diet. An estimated 44.2 million Americans lived in these households.

In rural areas that grow most of our nation’s food, households face considerably deeper struggles with hunger than those in metropolitan areas.

Feeding America reported food banks around the country are contending with increased demand, higher costs and tighter supplies of donated food. Inflation has hit hard, affecting not only consumers, but also the vital resources that support those in need.