A rising tide of inflation and escalating living expenses are fueling a surge in child hunger on a global scale, reveals a survey commissioned by the humanitarian organization, World Vision International. Conducted in 16 countries and coinciding with the approach of World Food Day, the survey brings to light the growing concern surrounding childhood hunger and malnutrition.
Alarming Findings:
The survey’s findings underscore the pervasive anxiety among parents, with 59% expressing significant apprehension about child hunger and malnutrition within their families. An additional 46% are deeply troubled by the challenge of affording food.
Furthermore, the survey reveals that 37% of parents state that their children are not receiving adequate nutrition on a daily basis, while 21% report their children going to bed hungry at least once in the past month.
The gravity of the issue intensifies in low-income countries, where 38% of children experience bedtime hunger. In the United States, 18% of respondents disclosed that children in their households have gone to bed hungry.
“Hunger is a global problem, transcending geographical boundaries,” emphasizes Andrew Morley, President of World Vision International, in a statement. This statement underscores the pervasive and far-reaching impact of this crisis.
A Wide-Ranging Survey:
The Ipsos-conducted survey involved more than 14,000 participants from diverse income brackets. Among those who reported their children going to sleep hungry, 46% attributed the primary cause to inflation and the rising cost of living. Low household income (39%) and insufficient government efforts to combat hunger (25%) were the next most frequently cited reasons.
Underlying Factors:
The surging prices, which have rattled economies worldwide, can be attributed to factors such as pandemic-related disruptions in global supply chains and the repercussions of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. These issues have exacerbated living costs and inflationary pressures, heightening the struggle to ensure children receive adequate nutrition and sustenance.
The report underscores the urgency of addressing these global challenges and the need for concerted efforts to mitigate the burgeoning crisis of childhood hunger.
