Everyone has probably experienced hunger at some point in their life. Perhaps you missed breakfast today, and your stomach is growling in eager anticipation for lunch. Or maybe you have fasted during Ramadan or Lent before and remember feeling hungry. However, most of us reading this article are likely fortunate enough to have never experienced Hunger as defined by the United Nations’ Hunger Report where it refers to severe food insecurity: where one is unable to access safe and nutritious food to meet their daily needs for a healthy and active life. [1]
On a global scale, it is clear that Hunger is still an issue that affects many people. In 2020, up to 811 million people were undernourished – this means that they are unable to get enough food to meet their daily energy requirements.[2] More than 2.3 billion people lacked year-round access to adequate food with over 149 million children under the age of 5 too short for their age, and over 45 million too thin for their height.[3]
Perhaps now you are feeling lucky to be living in Singapore. Here, there is food aplenty. Singapore has a variety of cuisines, Michelin-starred two-dollar dishes, and eateries that open until late. There are over 500 supermarkets and over 100 wet markets and hawker centres spread out across Singapore where food is ever-available. Hopefully, the concept of going hungry in Singapore feels foreign to you.
However, this is not the case for everyone. In 2019, more than a tenth of Singaporean households experienced food insecurity despite Singapore having consistently ranked as one of the most food-secure nations on the Global Food Security Index. A meal for the food insecure in Singapore can look like a cup of milo, a packet of instant noodles, potato chips, or just plain rice every day for weeks or months on end. Some find themselves with only $10 to $15 to feed a family of six, or only being able to afford a single meal each day.
Access to All, not just Availability
Hunger exists in Singapore not because food is unavailable, but because it remains inaccessible for many. In fact, more than enough food is produced to meet the needs of the current global population. Globally, and within Singapore, enough food is available but not reaching the people who need it. This reveals a pressing need to address barriers to access such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and food waste.
An example of food being available but inaccessible is if supermarkets and restaurants are selling food – but a simple plate of food costs $400. This may sound absurd, but it is close to reality for countries such as South Sudan. According to a report by the World Food Programme in 2017, a plate of rice and beans cost those in South Sudan 155% of the average person’s daily income. [6] (Such comparisons were drawn using GDP per capita, hence the real severity of the issue may even have been masked by income inequality.) The less-privileged in Singapore may also find themselves in a position where they are unable to afford sufficient and nutritious food.
Another reason food does not reach those who are hungry is that food can spoil and be lost before it can be consumed. This is more common in less developed countries where there may not be adequate infrastructure to store and transport food, but can also happen in developed countries in the event of a power outage or pest infestation. Inadequate infrastructure can also result in too much food aid being given to certain groups while others fall through the cracks.
Food can also be wasted when it is thrown away instead of eaten. Some studies estimate that as much as 44% of agricultural produce is wasted. [7] This may be due to consumers throwing away uneaten food or retailers discarding unsold food. Furthermore, food aid given to the hungry may also go unconsumed if they are unsuitable or do not meet their needs. For example, the elderly may be unable to open canned food or even cook the ingredients provided to them. Those suffering from diabetes will also find themselves unable to consume food items that are high in sugar. Customising food aid to individuals may be possible, but it requires a great amount of time and effort that may not be available.
What can you do to help end Hunger in Singapore?
The issue of hunger is complex. However, there are still ways in which you can make a difference in Singapore:
1. Donating good quality and nutritious food to organisations who provide food aid.
Food donated should not be contaminated, stale or expired. Low-sugar options are preferred as some of those receiving food aid may suffer from diabetes.
2. Volunteering your time to organisations that help tackle hunger.
Volunteers are needed to sort through donations, deliver food to the hungry, and can also help improve communication between organisations and those who need aid.
3. Striving to understand the needs of the people one is helping, and whether an area is over- or under-served.
You could find previous studies or articles on the area, or speak with community service providers.
4. Wasting less food by taking only what you need and not patronising buffets.
Food aid organisations in Singapore include Food Bank Singapore, Free Food For All, Willing Hearts, Food From the Heart, Red Cross, Keeping Hope Alive Singapore, Children’s Society, TOUCH Community Services and the Society for the Aged Sick.
Cover photo taken by nrd.
References:
[1] https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/world-hunger-facts-statistics
[2] https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07-2021-un-report-pandemic-year-marked-by-spike-in-world-hunger
[3] Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity
[4] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-62887-5_10
[5] Ibid.
[6] https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-much-food-costs-around-the-world/
[7] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-12-15/no-more-hunger-how-to-feed-everyone-on-earth-with-just-the-land-we-have
[8] https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-enduring-link-between-conflict-and-hunger-in-the-21st-century/
[9] https://www.wfpusa.org/articles/14-facts-climate-disasters-hunger/
[10] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-and-covid-19
[11] https://www.wfpusa.org/articles/far-from-home-7-surprising-facts-about-displacement-and-hunger/