Open letter to address hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition

Today, hunger is not caused by a lack of food. The world continues to produce more than enough to feed every child, woman and man. Yet millions are being pushed deeper into hunger and malnutrition because of conflict, displacement, economic instability and climate shocks. Children and women are paying the highest price for failures they did not create.

The escalation of wars and conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, Russia and across the Middle East is intensifying these realities far beyond the immediate region. The destruction of livelihoods, agricultural systems, markets and infrastructure is devastating communities directly affected by violence. At the same time, disruptions to energy supplies, fertilizer markets, shipping routes and humanitarian access are sending shockwaves through global food systems, making food, fuel and essential goods more expensive and less accessible for vulnerable families around the world.

This is not only a regional crisis. It is a global food systems shock with severe implications for the most vulnerable communities, plunging them into hunger and malnutrition.

These disruptions are already placing growing pressure on humanitarian and nutrition responses worldwide, limiting access to food assistance, nutrition and health services in some of the world’s most fragile contexts. Children, displaced families, and pregnant and breastfeeding women, among others face the greatest risks from worsening hunger and malnutrition.

 As faith-based organizations, we affirm that access to adequate and nutritious food is a sacred human right—  inherent to the dignity and right to life of every person. Hunger amid abundance is a moral failure. No one should suffer or die, especially children, because political decisions prioritize war, division and short-term interests over human life and the common good.

The theme of this year's campaign from the Prayer & Action Against Hunger Coalition, led by our respective organisations, is “Give your loaves and fish.” It reminds us that transformation begins when communities choose solidarity over indifference. The story of the loaves and fish from the Bible reminds us that what appears insufficient can become enough when shared in solidarity and compassion. Today, that same spirit calls the international community to act courageously and collectively.

We also recognize and honour the extraordinary efforts of local communities, faith leaders, women, youth and humanitarian workers who continue to respond with courage and compassion in the face of immense suffering. Their witness reminds us that solidarity remains stronger than despair.

We therefore call on governments, multilateral institutions, donors and faith communities to:

• Protect humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian law, ensuring that food is never used as a weapon of war.
• Safeguard and expand investments in child nutrition, treatment of stunting & wasting, school meals and social protection programmes.
• Strengthen resilient food systems by protecting food supply chains, agricultural production and humanitarian corridors.
• Support smallholder farmers, local food producers and climate-resilient agriculture, especially in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
• Ensure that foreign policy, trade, sanctions and security decisions are assessed for their potential impacts on food security, nutrition and humanitarian access.
• Prioritize peacebuilding, diplomacy and human dignity over militarization and division. 

The global hunger crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of choices — and different choices are possible.

As churches and faith-based organizations, we reaffirm our commitment to walk alongside communities affected by hunger, advocate for just and sustainable food systems, and work together for a world where every child can grow, flourish and live free from hunger and malnutrition.

“When Jesus landed and saw the large crowd, he had compassion on them…” then turning to his disciples, he said, “You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:14-16)

Together, we must ensure that there is enough for all.