Introduction

Imagine coming home from work hungry, and ready to fix yourself some dinner. You pull out leftovers from the fridge and then microwave them. Sounds simple right? Yes, it is. However, not everyone has that luxury. I may have that luxury when I come back to my room after a day of classes, but I am well aware that not everyone in the world can do that.

Many people in other countries are starving and can barely put any food on the table due to shortages in food supply, or poverty. Luckily, there have been some new developments and solutions that can fix this problem. From technology to supply chains, these developments and solutions have proven to be very effective. Here are 5 new solutions to world hunger. 

1. Technological Solutions to World Hunger

Technology is playing a critical role in finding solutions to world hunger. Here are a few examples:

• Planting food in surprising spots! Scientists are developing plans to grow crops in spots that are very unexpected, such as deserts or rooftops. This is done using certain crops that can tolerate the hot weather, and by creating rooftop gardens. Some of these crops include tomatoes, squash, and corn. These planting techniques have also boosted the economy.
  
• Solutions for farmers! Farmers are now able to use apps and other technology to examine their crops. Apps can be used to monitor crop health and other details. Also, drones are being used to monitor plants and can apply plant treatments without them being overdone. This information helps them make the right choices in taking care of their crops.
  
• Delivering food faster and further away! Drones are being used to deliver food and other necessities to certain areas affected by disasters or conflict. This helps several charitable organizations to reach people in need of food. Drones are currently being used by WFP to monitor areas that have been impacted by disasters, and also check for food security. Drones have been used to deliver necessities after the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

These are a couple of examples of how technology is a part of the solution to end world hunger. As these solutions continue to develop, they offer an optimistic future in a world where everyone can have access to the food they need and benefit from the solutions to world hunger.

2. Supply Chain Solutions to World Hunger

Supply chains are frequently being improved as to how food can get to certain places faster without the food perishing.

Changing Ways We Deliver Food

The solution to world hunger isn’t just about mass producing food, it’s also about getting it to the people who need it the most. Here’s how supply chains are being a part of the solution:

• Shorter and smarter: Separate supply chains are being considered, instead of the traditional chain. This will help reduce food waste, keep food fresh, and make sure food arrives on time. Digital tools are being used to track deliveries in real-time, from warehouses to the destination. One digital tool, eLogii will help on the final stop.
  
• Data analytics: Predictive analytics are able to be used to track trends, sales, consumer behavior, cutting costs, and even reducing food waste! Predictive analytics will also be able to help businesses improve supply chains.
  
• Storage: Warehousing with certain features such as programmable thermostats, pheromone traps, and sensors will be able to prevent food from perishing. Sensors can help prevent temperatures from either rising or dropping, thermostats will help control temperatures in certain areas of the facility, and pheromone traps will be able to reduce pests.

These new approaches to supply chains have a lot of potential to make sure everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to survive.

3. Understanding the Core Problem: Food Insecurity

Food insecurity has been a problem in many countries for a long time. We will explore the ins and outs of it here, and what can be done to fix this problem.

The Core Problem

Food insecurity is a major issue that goes way past not having enough food. It’s about having limited or uncertain access to nutritious food that meets your dietary needs and allows you to live an active and healthy life.

While hunger is a symptom of food insecurity, many people experience food insecurity without necessarily going hungry. Some of this includes lacking physical health due to less nutrients. Understanding the different aspects of food insecurity is crucial to developing effective solutions to reducing hunger.

Who is most affected?

Several factors contribute to food insecurity, including poverty, lack of access to resources like clean water and sanitation, and conflict. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are generally affected by food insecurity. Malnutrition and dehydration are often symptoms of food insecurity. Many people are also underweight due to the lack of access.

4. Successes in Solutions to World Hunger

There have been many successes in reducing hunger. Several nonprofit organizations have formed to combat the crises. Some include food banks, food drives, well water projects, and much more. 

Inspiring Stories from Around the World

The fight against hunger is filled with inspiring stories of communities and individuals making a real difference:

• Helping smallholder farmers: There have been foreign policies such as Feed the Future that have helped smallholder farmers with new technologies, which have helped increase production, provide nutritious food around the world, and avoid the problems with climate change.
  
• School meals programs: Many low-income families receive free lunches and breakfasts. Providing nutritious meals to children in schools not only reduces hunger but also improves learning. These programs have been helping several communities in many countries. School meals also help students stay in school.
  
• Community gardens and urban agriculture: There are several urban community gardens in New York State’s cities. Rooftop gardens have also been developed, with hydroponics being used. These gardens are formed to distribute food to local communities. 

These are just a couple of examples of what is being done to reduce hunger. As we see what has been happening from these successes, we are more committed to making solutions to world hunger successful.

5. Being a part of the Solutions to World Hunger: How You Can Make a Difference

There are many different ways that you can get involved and join the movement of ending hunger. 

Everyone can get involved!

The fight against hunger is a global effort, and everyone has the opportunity to engage. Here are some ways to be a part of solutions to world hunger:

• Raise awareness: Communicate effectively with friends and family about ending hunger in the world and the several ways they can help. Feel free to share informational articles and resources of the goal on social media.
  
• Support charities: Donate to charitable organizations working to address hunger. Many organizations accept financial contributions, food donations, or volunteer time. Some organizations include Feeding America, World Food Programme, Rise Against Hunger, and many more. 
  
• Advocate ending hunger: Contact your local politicians and urge them to support policies that address the core causes of hunger, such as poverty, inequality, and disasters.
  
• Consider what you buy: When you buy groceries, consider how your choices can impact the fight against hunger. Examine products closely and research companies committed to sustainable practices.
  
• Reduce food waste: Be mindful of food waste at home. Plan your meals, only buy what you will use, and store your food properly to avoid your food perishing.

These are just a couple of ways you can engage to help end world hunger. Personally, I have volunteered with a mobile food pantry/soup kitchen, and it’s hard to imagine that many of the people coming there don’t have the money to put food on the table.

Whether the action you are taking is big or small, it can make a difference in creating a world where everyone can put nutritious food on the table. Nutritious food will help people live a long and healthy life. 

Conclusion

Ending hunger is a major challenge in the world. If we work together, and if more people are willing to get involved, we can accomplish ending hunger around the world. By getting involved, and taking action, you can be part of many solutions in ending world hunger.

If world hunger is reduced, everyone will have access to the nutritious food they need to survive and live a long healthy life. I would recommend researching organizations that support ending world hunger or even getting involved in your local community with food banks or soup kitchens, and you will be able to make a difference in solutions to world hunger.