Hunger post pandemic worldwide is reducing

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on hunger around the world by disrupting food systems, reducing incomes, and increasing poverty. Its effects were especially severe for low-income families and vulnerable communities.
Key impacts of the pandemic on hunger
Loss of income and jobs
Lockdowns and business closures caused millions of people to lose their jobs or face reduced wages.
Many households could no longer afford enough nutritious food.
Disruption of food supply chains
Restrictions on transportation and labor shortages delayed the production and distribution of food.
Farmers faced difficulties harvesting crops and getting products to markets.
Rise in food prices
Supply disruptions and increased demand for certain goods led to higher food prices.
Poor households were affected the most because they spend a larger share of their income on food.
Increase in food insecurity
More people experienced uncertainty about where their next meal would come from.
Children, older adults, refugees, and informal workers were particularly vulnerable.
Impact on child nutrition
School closures interrupted school meal programs that many children depended on for daily nutrition.
Rates of malnutrition increased in several regions.
Pressure on humanitarian aid
Relief organizations faced logistical and financial challenges in delivering food assistance.
Conflicts and natural disasters combined with the pandemic worsened hunger in many countries.
Global impact
The pandemic reversed years of progress in reducing hunger.
Millions of additional people experienced food insecurity due to income losses, inflation, and disruptions to food systems.
Although many economies have recovered, high food prices, conflicts, and climate-related events continue to affect global hunger.
Measures taken to reduce hunger
Governments provided cash transfers, food distribution, and employment support.
International organizations expanded emergency food assistance.
Efforts were made to strengthen local food systems, improve supply chains, and protect vulnerable populations.
Fortunately, these are showing results slowly but steadily.

Around 690 million people were hungry in 2022 (about 8.6% of the world's population).
About 673 million were hungry in 2024 (8.2%).
About 645 million were hungry in 2025 (7.8%), marking the third consecutive annual decline.
However, there's an important caveat:
Hunger is still worse than before the pandemic. The improvements have not fully reversed the setbacks caused by COVID-19, conflicts, climate shocks, and high food prices. Moderate or severe food insecurity also remains above 2019 levels.
The global picture also hides major regional differences:
Asia has seen significant improvements, with countries such as India contributing to lower regional hunger estimates.
Latin America and the Caribbean have generally improved since their pandemic peak.
Africa, by contrast, has seen hunger remain stubbornly high and now has the largest number of undernourished people of any region.
Western Asia has also experienced worsening hunger in recent years.
So the short answer is:
? Compared with the pandemic peak: global hunger has fallen.
? Compared with before the pandemic: it has not yet fully recovered, and progress remains uneven across regions.
All progress takes place gradually to remain consistent. We hope there is progress worldwide.

By Jamuna Rangachari