The problem is (primarily) poverty and inequality
Within national borders, including our own, striking inequalities exist according to location, age, gender, education and socio-economic levels of the community. There is a strong urban vs rural divide. The
2020 Global Nutrition Report reported that in children under five years of age, wasting rates could be up to nine times higher in certain communities within countries whilst stunting rates could be four times higher.
This is not because of a global, or national, lack of food but is instead because of inequality. Poverty means that many families simply cannot access or afford a healthy and balanced diet.
In the vast majority of countries in which we work, poor communities, especially those in rural areas, cannot simply head to the supermarket or market to stock up on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and proteins. Fresh food is either not available at all or is prohibitively expensive.
This means that families turn to foods made from rice, wheat and corn, which fill bellies and give everyone the energy they need to make it through the day, but do not provide adequate nutrients. This can lead to micronutrient deficiencies and even obesity depending on the quantities available and consumed.