Improving Children’s Lives:
10 Companies Fighting Global Hunger

After decades of progress, hunger is on the rise. In November 2021, the World Food Programme’s (former) Executive Director, David Beasley, warned that “conflict, climate change and COVID-19 [are] driving up the numbers of the acutely hungry, and the latest data show there are now more than 45 million people marching towards the brink of starvation.” Despite producing enough food to feed the world, more than 800 million people still go hungry daily. May 28^th is World Hunger Day – an annual day highlighting how we can play our part in ending world hunger –  for good.

According to the World Food Programme, approximately 9% of the world’s population goes to bed hungry every night – a startling statistic that underscores the importance of action on the issue. World hunger is a persistent issue that affects millions of people across the globe but has a particularly profound impact on children’s development, especially during their early years. An estimated 149 million children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition, highlighting the vast scale of this problem.*

Hunger wreaks havoc on a child’s physical health but also profoundly impacts their cognitive and emotional development. Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and poor health, leaving children more susceptible to illnesses and infections that can result in chronic health issues down the line. The effects of hunger can also cause behavioral issues, difficulty concentrating, and struggles with learning, which can impede a child’s progress and future opportunities.

Businesses, especially those operating in the food and beverage sector, play a critical role in addressing world hunger. While spreading awareness on World Hunger Day is important, it takes year-round action to secure real change. With that in mind, this week, we’re shining our spotlight on ten companies that are working to eliminate hunger worldwide:

• Kellogg Company: Kellogg has been working to fight hunger for more than 30 years. As part of its Breakfasts for Better Days initiative, the company will donate 1 billion servings of cereal and snacks to support global hunger relief by the end of 2016. The company donates, on average, more than $20 million worth of food products for hunger and disaster relief each year, in partnership with food bank networks across the globe.
• Mars, Inc.: Mars, Inc. has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme to help improve the nutritional quality of school meals in developing countries. The company also invests in sustainable agriculture practices and supports smallholder farmers.
• General Mills:  General Mills was a founding partner of Feeding America over 40 years ago, an organization that addresses hunger in the United States. They donate funds, food, and employee volunteer time to support food banks and other organizations that provide food to those in need. General Mills also supports sustainable agriculture initiatives to increase the availability of nutritious food.
• PepsiCo: PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation participate in the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge, investing $100 million in positive agriculture and food security initiatives by 2030 to help minimize waste and ensure a more resilient food supply. The company partners with organizations like the World Food Programme and CARE to address food security and provide emergency relief.
• Kirin Holdings: Kirin Holdings is a Japanese company that operates in the food and beverage industry. The company is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting smallholder farmers. Kirin Holdings has also partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme to provide emergency food assistance in times of crisis.
• Nestlé: Nestlé has developed a comprehensive approach to addressing global hunger called Creating Shared Value. They partner with farmers, governments, and non-profit organizations to promote sustainable agriculture, increase access to food, and provide nutrition education.
• CP Group: CP Group is a Thai company that operates in various industries, including agriculture and food production. Through its “Food for the Future” program, the company is working to improve food security in Asia by promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting smallholder farmers.
• Unilever: Unilever has committed to improving the health and well-being of one billion people by 2020. They are working to address global hunger through initiatives like the Sustainable Living Plan, which focuses on sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste. Unilever also partners with non-profit organizations to provide food and nutrition education to those in need.
• Kraft Heinz Company: The Kraft Heinz Company Micronutrient Campaign was created to provide access to nutritional supplements and ensure the healthy development of those in other countries. This campaign distributes micronutrient powders rich in vitamins, minerals and supplemental iron to mix into children’s food. Through these efforts, the Kraft Heinz Company has effectively treated and prevented iron deficiency, anemia, and other vitamin deficiencies.
• Marfrig Global Foods: Marfrig Global Foods, a Brazilian company, is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing deforestation. The company works with farmers and communities to promote responsible land use practices and improve access to markets. Marfrig Global Foods also supports local food banks and other organizations working to fight hunger.

These companies are among many others taking action to combat global hunger through various initiatives and partnerships. By working together, companies can have a significant impact on improving access to nutritious food and reducing food insecurity around the world.

For more information on how the Food & Beverage sector impacts children’s rights, read our latest benchmark report, which assessed 310 of the world’s largest brands on their child rights policies and practices.

To see the top 100 best-performing companies, click here.

*World Food Programme