Around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people around the world, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published by five United Nations specialized agencies. If current trends continue, approximately 582 million people will be chronically undernourished by 2030. The lack of economic opportunity and access to healthy diets also remains a critical issue, affecting over one-third of the global population.
With new food price data and methodological improvements, the publication reveals that over 2.8 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2024. This disparity is most pronounced in low-income countries like Pakistan, which ranks 109th on the Global Hunger Index.
Food insecurity and malnutrition are worsening around the world due to a combination of factors, including persisting food price inflation, conflict in the middle east, especially Gaza, climate change/natural disasters, and economic downturn. These issues, along with underlying factors such as unaffordable healthy diets, unhealthy food environments, and persistent inequality, are now coinciding simultaneously, amplifying their individual effects.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,” it’s essential to explore how sustainable agriculture, technology, and innovation are crucial in tackling food security challenges. For instance, technological solutions like artificial intelligence in agriculture can optimize crop yields, while blockchain can enhance transparency in supply chains. Mobile platforms for farmers can facilitate access to markets, information, and resources – empowering livelihoods.
Addressing inequality in food access is also paramount, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, women, and impoverished communities. Ensuring these groups have equitable access to nutritious food is fundamental for building a resilient society in Pakistan, where food insecurity continues to challenge millions. However, innovative companies like foodpanda and others are playing a pivotal role in turning the tide.
One of the company’s core contributions to food accessibility is the creation of self-employment opportunities for thousands of individuals across Pakistan. With over 50,000 riders and 5,000+ HomeChefs registered on the platform, foodpanda is directly contributing to the socio-economic uplift of communities through food.
HomeChefs, in particular, have allowed women, youth, and home-based entrepreneurs to launch their food businesses with minimal investment. By bringing the talents of local cooks to the masses, foodpanda has nurtured a diverse food ecosystem that provides affordable, home-cooked meals to customers all over Pakistan. In a country where 70% of the platform’s registered HomeChefs are women, foodpanda is empowering women to achieve financial independence while ensuring that more households have access to affordable and nutritious meals.
One of the most critical aspects of combating food insecurity is affordability, and foodpanda is tackling this challenge by collaborating with NGOs and food banks to distribute surplus food to underprivileged communities, reflecting its commitment to bringing a meal to every table.
foodpanda’s purpose aligns with the greater social responsibility of combating food insecurity and empowering communities – whether it is through partnering with restaurants to limit food wastage or through delivering groceries to the needy who can ill afford the basic necessities of life. These are small initiatives toward tackling a much bigger problem, but as an organization, we realize the fundamental importance of this issue and the critical impact it has on our community.
In conclusion, in the fight against food insecurity, foodpanda is delivering hope for a better, more inclusive future, where every person has access to the food they need to thrive – either working on the platform or through leveraging what the platform has to offer in terms of affordability, choice and convenience.
As we observe World Food Day, let us inspire each other to contribute to its mission. The future of food security will be shaped by global cooperation, innovation, and individual responsibility. Together, we can work toward a world where everyone has the right to nutritious food, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
This article is written by Hassan Arshad. He serves as Director Policy and Communications at foodpanda.
