According to the World Food Programme, as many as 783 million people face chronic hunger worldwide. Over 333 million are facing acute food insecurity in 2023.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015 as a universal call to action to tackle the global hunger crisis and other pressing challenges by 2030. These goals were designed to create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world for all by the end of this decade. Among these goals, SDG 2 focuses on ending hunger and achieving worldwide food security.
Since it was established, Islamic Relief USA has dedicated efforts to tackling hunger across the world. Through comprehensive humanitarian aid programs, the organization works tirelessly to align with SDG 2 by striving to eradicate hunger and improve nutrition in vulnerable communities across the globe.
What Are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Codified in 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a global blueprint for a better and more sustainable future. These 17 interconnected goals address social, economic, and environmental challenges affecting humanity. These goals address various aspects of development, including poverty eradication, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, climate action, and more. Specific targets and indicators are associated with each goal.
Since their inception, the SDGs have become a point of inspiration for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. They have sparked collective action and accountability towards shared global priorities. The SDGs represent an unprecedented level of international consensus and cooperation and reflect a shared commitment to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
UN Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger
SDG 2 targets the eradication of hunger, achieving worldwide food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. According to the UN, access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food is a fundamental human right. This goal recognizes that hunger and malnutrition are significant barriers to sustainable development.
Despite progress in recent years, global hunger remains a pervasive issue around the world. Approximately 783 million people face chronic hunger, and an estimated 2.4 billion people face moderate to severe food insecurity. Global food insecurity requires immediate attention and concerted global action to address this pressing humanitarian challenge.
The detrimental impact of extreme hunger and malnutrition extends beyond individual well-being. It also acts as a barrier to sustainable development and perpetuates cycles of poverty and vulnerability.
According to the UN, achieving zero hunger demands a multifaceted approach. This may include social protection measures, sustainable food systems, and investments in sustainable agriculture, in both rural and urban areas. Efforts to combat hunger must prioritize the most vulnerable people and create inclusive and resilient food systems that ensure equitable access to safe and nutritious food for all.
As people, communities, businesses, and governments, we are responsible for participating in efforts to combat hunger and promote food security. Supporting local farmers, making sustainable food choices, advocating for policy changes, and eliminating food waste are tangible steps that will contribute to the realization of zero hunger.
Introduction to Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA)
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) is a community of diverse groups of people united by shared values of excellence, sincerity, social justice, compassion, and custodianship. Established to provide relief and development in a way that treats recipients with dignity, IRUSA’s mission is to serve people in need, irrespective of gender, race, or religion.
As part of the international coalition of Islamic Relief organizations, Islamic Relief USA envisions a world free of poverty and recognizes that hunger and poverty are closely linked. The global food crisis is primarily caused by issues with food access and availability, which have been worsened by factors like conflict and climate change.
IRUSA’s Food Aid Programs
Islamic teachings emphasize the moral duty to feed those in need. In line with these teachings, food aid is the largest focus of Islamic Relief USA’s humanitarian efforts. Here are some of its main food aid programs, which have fed millions of people worldwide and made progress toward meeting UN SDG 2.
Ramadan Food Program
The Ramadan food program provides immediate hunger relief and includes long-term projects aimed at improving living conditions. In 2023, this program successfully fed over 337,000 people in 29 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Qurbani/Udhiyah Program
The Qurbani/Udhiya program is Islamic Relief USA’s largest food-sharing initiative. For many recipients, this is the only meat they consume each year. In 2023, this program reached more than 371,000 people in 27 countries.[1] [2] This program, along with the Ramadan program, highlights our dedication to providing essential nutrition to those in need during significant religious observances.
Hot Meals Program
Following the principle that charity begins at home, IRUSA’s Hot Meals program targets food insecurity in major urban areas across the United States. This initiative supports vulnerable groups affected by poverty and helps ensure they receive nutritious meals. For just $10, donors can provide a hot meal to a neighbor in need.
Summer Food Service Program
Many students who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year face food shortages during summer breaks. IRUSA supports the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, which offers safe spaces for children to receive meals. In 2023, this initiative provided 51,000 healthy, balanced meals across seven states.
Special Holiday Programs In addition to our regular programs, IRUSA organizes special food distributions during holidays, such as turkey distributions and the Martin Luther King JR Day of Service. These initiatives provide festive meals and support to communities in need during significant times of the year.
Leave a Reply