France’s Fight Against Food Insecurity: A Serious Matter, But Not Without a Laugh
On World Food Day, France has stood up, adjusted its beret, and boldly reiterated its commitment to tackling food insecurity and malnutrition. And while we’re talking about food insecurity, I’m reminded of that time I went to a French restaurant and said, “I’ll have the ‘Satisfaction de la viande’,” and the waiter said, “That’s just a fancy way of saying ‘Meat of Disappointment!’” You know, much like the current state of world hunger, but I digress.
In 2023, a staggering 281.6 million people are facing high degrees of food insecurity—against all odds, that’s 24 million more than last year! Seriously, where are all these extra hungry people coming from? It’s as if hunger is a Netflix series, and they keep renewing the season for no good reason! Now, 150 million children under the age of five are stunted, while another 37 million are overweight. Talk about a mixed bag—it’s like a buffet of bad outcomes, but without the buffet.
France proudly takes full action against malnutrition, a problem that has got its claws into global health, education, and even the economy. I can’t help but wonder if all this anti-malnutrition energy could somehow be funneled into helping people choose something other than donuts for breakfast? Or maybe that’s a little too cheeky—after all, who doesn’t love a good donut?
Looking ahead, mark your calendars and set your alarm clocks, because on March 27 and 28, 2025, Paris will host the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit. Don’t worry; I’ll give you a friendly reminder closer to the date—maybe with a subtle hint of “Hey, want to change the world over croissants?” This summit promises to gather all the great and the good—governments, international organizations, civil society, companies, and researchers—all to adopt ambitious commitments to combat malnutrition. Finally, a gathering where ‘The Hunger Games’ meets haute cuisine!
But wait, there’s more! As food crises escalate in conflict zones—specifically in Gaza and Sudan—France is not just sitting back sipping its espresso. Oh no! They’re rolling up their sleeves and providing financial support to international organizations and food assistance projects. And guess who also leads the way financially for the “Ukrainian Cereals” operation? Yep, it’s France! You could say they’re turning grain into some serious humanitarian gold, supporting seven countries affected by global food insecurity. A standing ovation for France, everyone!
In conclusion, while we laugh (perhaps nervously) at the stark reality of food insecurity affecting millions, let’s not forget that the French are taking proactive steps to address this global crisis. With summits, support, and, of course, a flair for the dramatic, they’re doing their best to shift the narrative from “from starvation to satisfaction.” So, as they continue to push for meaningful change, let’s hope that by the time that 2025 summit rolls around, we can all raise a baguette to a world where food insecurity is a thing of the past. Who knew that saving the world could be so delicious?
On World Food Day, France reiterates its commitment to the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms.
In 2023, 281.6 million people faced high degrees of food insecurity, that is, 24 million more people than in 2022. 150 million children under 5 years of age are stunted and 37 million are overweight.
France takes full action against malnutrition, which has a global impact on health, educational and economic systems.
On March 27 and 28, 2025, Paris will host the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit, which will bring together the entire international nutrition community (Governments, international organizations, civil society, companies and researchers) to adopt commitments ambitious and concrete and contribute to the fight against all forms of malnutrition.
Faced with the intensification of food crises in conflict zones, especially in Gaza and Sudan, France remains fully mobilized, in particular by providing financial support to international organizations and food assistance projects. In addition, France is the first financier of the “Ukrainian Cereals” operation, launched in 2022 to respond to the impact of Russian aggression on global food security, in seven countries around the world (Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, Djibouti, Malawi and Zambia).
