Feeding the Young:
How Businesses Can Shape a Hunger-Free World

May 2024

World Hunger
& Children’s Rights

As we mark World Hunger Day, global attention shifts to the pressing issue of food insecurity affecting millions worldwide. Recent developments in Teresina, Brazil, have spotlighted the urgency of addressing this crisis. Here, specialists from across the globe convened to forge a unified strategy against hunger, aiming to remove over 730 million people from the hunger map who cannot afford three meals a day. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the Brazilian G20 presidency to combat extreme poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to zero hunger and sustainable agriculture.

The conference in Teresina is a critical prelude to the upcoming G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where these discussions will culminate in actionable plans. By focusing on collaborative efforts and sharing effective solutions, there is a palpable aim to create a robust global alliance against hunger and poverty.

Such a global dialogue addresses immediate nutritional needs and intertwines with the fundamental rights of children, who are disproportionately affected by hunger and poverty.

The role of business in combatting child hunger

Businesses, especially those in the Food and Beverage sector, play a pivotal role in addressing child hunger. Companies can influence market dynamics, supply chains, and local economies, affecting the availability and affordability of nutritious food. However, beyond mere influence, Global Child Forum expects that businesses uphold and advocate for children’s rights.

The involvement of businesses in safeguarding children’s rights to nutrition and well-being is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in future generations. “Companies prioritising sustainable practices and integrating child rights into their core strategies can drive significant social change while fostering long-term business sustainability,” says Linda Ravin Lodding, Global Child Forum’s Head of Communications.

Global Child Forum and business leadership

Global Child Forum advocates for the rights and well-being of children worldwide. By mobilising leaders from business, government, and civil society, the organisation champions the integration of children’s rights into business practices, particularly emphasising the role of the Food and Beverage sector. This sector’s influence over children’s nutritional status is undeniable, and we encourage companies to adopt policies that ensure their products contribute positively to children’s diets.

We encourage the businesses that we engage with to adopt frameworks that prioritise child nutrition, such as setting standards for product nutrition, implementing responsible marketing practices, supporting sustainable agriculture practices, and ensuring access and affordability of good food.

Nina Vollmer

Director Child Rights and Sustainability

Feeding the Young: How Businesses Can Shape a Hunger-Free World

“We encourage the businesses that we engage with to adopt frameworks that prioritise child nutrition, such as setting standards for product nutrition, implementing responsible marketing practices, supporting sustainable agriculture practices, and ensuring access and affordability of good food,” said Nina Vollmer, Global Child Forum’s Director Child Rights and Sustainability, who recently spoke at the Future of Food Forum in Stockholm. “In doing so, businesses not only adhere to global standards like the SDGs but also enhance their brand reputation and consumer trust.”

Moving forward: action and accountability

As we observe World Hunger Day, the call to action for businesses is clear: integrate children’s rights into your operational ethos. This integration should not be superficial but embedded in every level of business practice—from sourcing to sales.

The upcoming G20 Summit presents an opportunity for global leaders to adopt and endorse the strategies discussed in Teresina, making a significant leap towards eradicating hunger and ensuring every child’s right to food is respected and protected.

Companies in the Food and Beverage sector, influenced by Global Child Forum’s advocacy, have a unique chance to lead by example. By adopting child-focused strategies and collaborating across sectors, businesses can make a substantial impact on the global fight against hunger, transforming their influence into a legacy of positive change for children worldwide.

This World Hunger Day, let’s recognise the transformative potential of business in securing a hunger-free future for our children. Through collaborative efforts and committed actions, businesses can help turn the tide against global hunger, ensuring a healthier, well-nourished next generation.

Would you like to discuss any of the important topics raised in this article? Contact our team.

Sector deep-dive

Go further

Many of the critical challenges outlined above can be addressed by companies within the Food, Beverage & Personal Care sector.

Click below to find out how this sector performed in our latest global benchmark!

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