STATEMENT: GFN Response to the UN Food Security and Nutrition Report 2025 (SOFI)

Hunger rates drop slightly, but high food prices put progress at risk; Food banks are providing nutritious food to people in places where food security is hard to achieve.

CHICAGO and ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global shocks, including inflation and conflict, left 673 million people faced hunger in 2024, while 2.3 billion faced food insecurity, according to the latest UN State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report (SOFI). The results were presented at the UN Food System Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

While global hunger and food insecurity rates improved slightly from the previous year, food insecurity is on the rise in Africa and western Asia. Persistent high food prices in low- and middle-income countries are creating strong headwinds in the work to reduce global hunger.

The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) is working with food bank partners across 50 countries to advance food recovery and redistribution as a model to address food insecurity and reduce the environmental impacts of food loss and waste. The latest annual data from GFN shows food banks across its network increased food access for 38 million people in 2024, providing the equivalent of 2 billion meals. Food banking organizations in emerging and developing markets increased their service delivery by an average of 10% (by volume) from 2023 to 2024. Nearly half of all food provided by the network were fruits and vegetables, which remain the most expensive food category, according to UN report.

Food banking was recognized during UNFSS+4 by the FAO, UN Global Compact and World Business Council for Sustainable Development as one of 15 co-investment opportunities that illustrate how the private sector can work with non-governmental organizations and other actors to transform global agrifood systems.

Following is a statement from Lisa Moon, President and CEO, The Global FoodBanking Network, in response to the SOFI 2025 report:

"The latest UN report is a sober reminder that far too many people around the world still cannot access a healthy diet, and many face growing pressures due to multiple, overlapping crises. The hunger crisis is not primarily about food availability-- it's about accessibility.

"At the same time, community-led food banks, many of which are in low- and middle-income countries that have been hardest hit by food inflation, are responding to growing demand and prioritizing distribution of nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables. We urgently need all sectors—government, business and civil society—to work together to shift the food system so that it works for everyone."

ABOUT THE GLOBAL FOODBANKING NETWORK

Food banking offers a solution to both chronic hunger and the climate crisis. GFN works with partners in over 50 countries to redirect surplus, healthy food to those who need it. In 2024, our network provided food to 38 million people, reducing food waste and creating healthy, resilient communities. We help the food system function as it should: nourishing people and the planet together. Learn more at foodbanking.org.

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SOURCE The Global FoodBanking Network