The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) aims to end hunger and improve access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all by 2030. This goal includes eradicating malnutrition, especially in children under 5 years old, and addressing the nutritional needs of various vulnerable groups. SDG 2 also focuses on doubling the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers. Additionally, it emphasizes sustainable food production systems, resilient agricultural practices, and the preservation of genetic diversity in seeds and plants. SDG 2 calls for increased investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and technology development in developing countries, as well as the elimination of trade restrictions and distortions in agricultural markets. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of well-functioning food commodity markets and timely access to market information to limit extreme food price volatility.
Zero hunger, a critical Sustainable Development Goal, faces numerous hurdles. Food waste remains a major issue, with a substantial portion of the world’s food supply going to waste while millions go hungry. Climate change disrupts agriculture through extreme weather events and shifting growing patterns, affecting food production. Conflict and displacement disrupt food distribution and access, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of hunger. Unsustainable agricultural practices deplete resources and harm ecosystems. To achieve zero hunger, we must combat food waste, mitigate climate change, resolve conflicts, and promote sustainable farming methods, all while fostering global cooperation to ensure equitable access to food for all.
Below are some organizations making contributions to zero hunger.
Sustainable Food Systems and Production
Ÿnsect – Produces insect-based protein for animal feed and food applications, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.
Vertical Roots – Grows fresh produce in indoor vertical farms, maximizing resource efficiency and providing food security in urban areas.
Too Good to Go – Connects restaurants and stores with consumers to sell surplus food at a discount, reducing food waste and promoting affordability.
BioGrüne – Converts food waste into organic fertilizer and renewable energy, giving food waste a second life and contributing to a circular economy.
Phenix – Recovers and redistributes unsold food from supermarkets and restaurants to charities and social programs, tackling food insecurity and waste simultaneously.
Food Waste Reduction and Recovery
FarmBeats – Provides AI-powered farm management tools and weather forecasting to smallholder farmers, improving agricultural decision-making and resilience to climate change.
Apeel Sciences – Develops plant-based edible coatings that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and losses throughout the supply chain.
World Food Programme – Utilizes drones and other technologies to deliver food assistance and monitor food security in remote and crisis-stricken areas.
Cultivate – Provides mobile solar-powered mills and training to rural communities, enabling them to process and consume nutritious grains locally.
Technology and Data for Food Security
Slow Food International – Promotes sustainable food systems and cultural diversity in food production and consumption, advocating for policies that prioritize local, seasonal, and ethical food choices.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – Provides scientific assessments on climate change and its impacts on food systems, informing policy and adaptation strategies for food security.
World Resources Institute – Conducts research and analysis on global challenges, including food security, providing evidence-based solutions and advocacy for sustainable food systems.
AeroFarms – Grows fresh produce indoors using vertical farming technology, offering a resource-efficient and sustainable approach to food production.
Imperfect Foods – Rescues and delivers ugly produce that would otherwise be wasted, reducing food waste and promoting efficient food systems.
Terramera – Develops microbial biofertilizers and plant health products that reduce reliance on chemical inputs and promote soil health, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Nutrition and Access to Healthy Food
ReFED – Works to prevent food waste throughout the supply chain through research, advocacy, and innovative solutions, promoting efficient food systems and resource recovery.
Compost Now – Provides convenient composting services for businesses and residents, diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into valuable compost.
Food & Water Watch – Advocates for policies and practices that promote sustainable food production, fair wages for farmers, and healthy food access for all, addressing hunger from a systemic perspective.
Food Policy and Advocacy
No Kid Hungry – Works to end childhood hunger in the US through programs that provide food assistance, education, and advocacy for children facing hunger.
Feeding America – The largest hunger relief organization in the US, providing food and resources to millions of Americans facing hunger through a network of food banks and partner organizations.
Union of Concerned Scientists – Conducts research and advocacy on food and agriculture issues, promoting policies and practices that protect the environment, ensure food security, and address hunger.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2 (End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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