We all know that familiar feeling: your stomach grumbles, you start to feel tired, grumpy and maybe even feel a headache coming in. Your body is saying, “I’m hungry.” It is a basic human experience. For many of us, the feeling is easily remedied with a trip to the fridge or a nearby restaurant, but not everyone is so fortunate. While we can even tap a few buttons and receive a convenient meal at our doorstep, millions around the world struggle to know where their next meal is coming from.
This Saturday, May 28, 2022, is World Hunger Day, and this year the topic of hunger feels more significant than ever. Although world hunger has always been a pressing issue, lingering disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine pose even stronger threats to food equity.
Since the Russian invasion, delivering meals for Ukrainian refugees is one of the top priorities for charities responding to the crisis. All around the world, there are communities facing food insecurity. Even here in the U.S., food deserts in our country and – more recently – the baby formula shortage are putting families in danger of malnutrition.
The good news is there is enough food produced in the world to feed everyone. So, the challenge doesn’t come from lack of supply, but from inequitable distribution. How do we fix this? Well, Global Impact charities are working on resolving the issue and closing the gap. Global champions like you are helping and workplace giving is one of the ways to make a change! As an example, Microsoft employees are helping save the world by giving at work. Last year, they raised $214 million for good with the company’s match. Now, there are more opportunities to help, especially when it comes to food insecurity.
Five charities helping to end hunger globally:
Americares’ mission is to save lives and improve health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential. Last month, the charity announced a new program that will focus on serving communities vulnerable to climate change. Malnutrition is a global health and child mortality challenge that is expected to intensify as climate change escalates. Americares serves individuals with health care and nourishment. Now, with this new program, they will be able to expand those services in susceptible communities and when climate related disasters hit.
ChildFund International is helping deprived, excluded and vulnerable children have the capacity to become young adults and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities. In those communities, so many kids experience hunger. ChildFund International provides supplements, helps families harvest crops and delivers food in droughts to make sure children can thrive. The charity even shares food saving tips and international recipes to help you save food and money. What you save can easily be redirected to your workplace pledge.
Episcopal Relief & Development facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease, in three signature program areas: women, children and climate. One pillar of the charity’s integrated approach is agriculture and, specifically, working with small-scale farmers to improve farming techniques, increase yield and boost business. That way, farmers are able to feed their family with the crops and with the income from selling them. In addition to farming, women in Kenya began keeping bees. Now, they bottle honey to keep at home and sell.
Heifer International works globally, alongside communities, providing livestock and training in sustainable agricultural practices to create the most favorable opportunity for families. Do you grow plants at home? The charity doesn’t keep the expert advice to themselves. Beyond the agricultural assistance they give in communities around the world to provide food security, they even share plant growing tips for home gardeners like you. Watch their previous livestream demonstrating a garden planning app or TikTok videos for a full range of gardening tips, agricultural demonstrations and charity successes.
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities. Just like Ukrainians, the people of Afghanistan experienced a pressing crisis within the last year. Now, so many Afghans, including children, are suffering from hunger. IRUSA is helping refugees adjust in new places and providing meals for families still in the country.
There isn’t one key to end world hunger, but the problem can be solved by tackling the issue at each level and in every corner of the globe. Through a combination of sustainable agriculture, health services and equitable distribution, it is possible. Global Impact charities are working everyday to bring us closer to that reality.
You can help change the world! Next time you treat yourself to a takeout order, consider the families you can help for the same price as a delivery fee and tip. Even a few dollars can help put food on the table for someone in need. Giving through your workplace is a convenient way to amplify your generosity and make a difference.
Celebrate World Hunger Day by making a pledge! Start a reoccurring gift or make a one-time contribution.
Learn more about giving at work, hunger solutions and charities to support.
