Global hunger surged for the sixth year in a row in 2024, according to a new United Nations report, with over 295 million people facing acute food insecurity and child malnutrition across 53 countries and territories. The figure marks a 5% increase compared to 2023, highlighting worsening food conditions worldwide.
The 2025 Global Report on Food Crises identifies conflict, extreme weather, and economic shocks as the principal drivers behind this escalating crisis. These factors often intersect, creating compounding hardships for vulnerable populations already under pressure.
Alarmingly, 22.6% of the affected populations are now experiencing crisis-level hunger or worse, according to the report.
Further deterioration is expected through 2025 due to projected cuts in humanitarian food aid. Global food assistance funding could shrink by 10% to 45%, with a notable decline in contributions from the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. These cutbacks threaten the continuation of life-saving aid for millions relying on international support.
The rising hunger emergency underscores the urgent need for coordinated global action to tackle the root causes of food insecurity and stabilize support systems for at-risk communities.