Food for the Hungry (FH) has been responding to hunger and food insecurity around the world since it’s inception in 1971. Food security, as defined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Promoting food security is a holistic process with multiple approaches, including agriculture programs, health and nutrition programs, and economic development.

In 2007, it is estimated that 923 million people faced chronic hunger, often going to sleep at night on an empty stomach. This affects all facets of life and is a barrier to communities and individuals living to their full potential. Beyond an adequate food supply, factors such as poverty, government instability, natural and man-made disasters, lack of knowledge, unhelpful behaviors, and certain beliefs can be barriers to food security.