HUNGER GAMES
Shedding Light on Food Insecurity for Gen Z
HUNGER GAMES: Shedding Light of Food Insecurity for Gen Z
1 Food insecurity is a serious issue that impacts many people. To understand it better, let’s first define what it means. Imagine wanting to order your favorite meal, only to realize that such privilege isn’t accessible to everyone. Food insecurity refers to not having consistent access to sufficient food and nutrition needed for a healthy life. While it may seem like a distant concern for some, it’s a harsh reality faced by many.
2 According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 7.6 million Filipinos face extreme food insecurity. To put that into perspective, it’s like the entire population of Metro Manila struggling with a major food crisis. Each number represents real people dealing with hunger and malnutrition everyday.
3 Globally, about 29.6% of people, or 2.4 billion individuals, experience moderate to severe food insecurity. Out of this huge number, around 900 million people are classified as severely food insecure. Moreover, a United Nations (UN) report shows that a number of conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and national conflicts have caused an increase of nearly 122 million people facing hunger since 2019. With these growing numbers, is the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger by 2030 still possible? That is one question to ponder on for now.
4 Why is food insecurity such a big deal? Well, it extends beyond mere hunger pangs; it also affects the health and overall well-being of an individual. Without enough nutrition, our bodies can’t work properly. Imagine trying to get through your day on an empty stomach—not great, right? While some may take their food privileges for granted, many others struggle to get enough even for one meal.
5 Fortunately, there exists commendable efforts to fight food insecurity. Various organizations run food banks, feeding programs, and community gardens to alleviate hunger in different communities. Each of us can help by volunteering, spreading the word on social media, or donating what we can. Every day is a chance to make a difference. But what else can we do besides relying on temporary “band-aid” solutions?
6 Take edible gardening, for example. It’s more than just traditional planting; it’s a practical step against hunger and food insecurity. Imagine a garden in your backyard full of fresh produce, where you can pick ripe tomatoes or lettuce right from the vine. It’s a direct and simple way to have farm-to-table food without having to worry about money or external supply chains.
7 Food insecurity is not just a distant problem; it’s an urgent issue that affects millions around the globe. Addressing this problem requires more than temporary fixes; it demands a set of sustainable solutions and collective effort from the community.
8 By staying informed and taking action, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Let’s use our influence to make a meaningful impact, so that more people can enjoy the meals they deserve.
SOURCES [1] Ducanes, G., Daway-Ducanes, S. L., & Tan, E. (2021). Targeting ‘highly vulnerable’ households during strict lockdowns. The Philippine Review of Economics, 58(1 & 2), 38–62. https://doi.org/10.37907/3erp1202jd, [2] Hunger. (n.d.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/hunger/en/, [3] Ibang pagkain na sagana din sa carbohydrates bukod sa kanin, subukan. (2024, June 10). FNRI Website. https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/56-nutritips, [4] Jocson. (2023, July 13). Nearly 51M Filipinos face food insecurity — UN report. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2023/07/14/534036/nearly-51m-filipinos-face-food-insecurity-un-report/#google_vignette
OTHER FEATURES
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Hunger and Malnutrition in Poor Households
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The Application of the Knowledge Gap Theory
How can the Knowledge Gap Theory be significant to the pressing issue of food insecurity in the Philippines? Identify further the ‘gaps’ in understanding when it comes to hunger and poverty.
Food Scavenged from the Trash and Leftovers
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PH: Current Movements to Address Hunger
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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
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It’s sad to say but this just shows one of the ugly sides of the region that inhabits the capital of the Philippines. However, it’s a good thing that this article made me aware of this really serious issue that Filos have been facing. The government should really stop using band-aids and prevent the root cause of food insecurity.
Having an audio version is such a smart move; it saves time compared to reading the article. In terms of content, the website is easily accessible and well-organized.
the article give a reality check to all individuals and help them to realize the privileges they have in life. Also, it’s very helpful to sight some example mentioned in the article, specifically the edible gardening, in order to fight against food and hunger insecurity in the Philippines.