UNDERSTANDING HUNGER
Explore key articles that break down food insecurity in the Philippines and the four essential dimensions of food security. Get the facts, gain insight, and understand the crisis.
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THE FOUR DIMENSIONS OF FOOD SECURITY
1 Food security relies on four key dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. When any of these are disrupted, it can threaten food security — whether for an individual, a community, or the entire world.
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2 Food availability refers to the consistent presence of ample quantities of suitable and high-quality food, sourced from domestic production, imports, food assistance, or reserves.
3 Food accessibility refers to a situation wherein individuals possess sufficient income or alternative resources to obtain suitable and nutritious food locally.
4 Food utilization refers to the effective management of food through proper storage and processing practices with respect to nutritional, health, and sanitation considerations.
5 Food stability refers to the availability of adequate food all the times, certain that access and utilization of appropriate food is not affected by any hindrance and shortages including crises and emergencies.
Sources:
Australian International Food Security Centre. (n.d.). Food security and why it matters. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. https://aifsc.aciar.gov.au/food-security-and-why-it-matters.html
FOOD INSECURITY IN THE PHILIIPPINES
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.
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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 rising numbers, can we still achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger by 2030? This is a pressing question we must consider.
4 Why is food insecurity such a big deal? Food insecurity goes beyond mere hunger pangs, it impacts overall health and well-being. 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, commendable efforts exist to combat 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:
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
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.). Hunger. https://www.fao.org/hunger/en/
FNRI-DOST. (2024, June 10). Ibang pagkain na sagana din sa carbohydrates bukod sa kanin, subukan. FNRI Website. https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/56-nutritips
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