Myths & Facts


Think you know the truth about hunger?

Learn more about world hunger and specific world hunger statistics by reading the myths and facts on this page. Check your knowledge by participating in activities that quiz you on the myths and facts!


 

Myth


 

Fact


 

Hunger only exists in developing countries.


 
 

Think again. Hunger impacts 49 million people in the United States and 925 million people across the world. You know what hunger feels like. Image what happens when you’re hungry for long periods of time. Hunger impacts brain development and causes stunting and malnutrition.

Source: Household Food Security in the United States, 2008. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, November 2009.


 
 

Food stamps and subsidies provide people and families the food they need every month


 
 

Actually, food stamps are a supplemental program. Each individual or family that qualifies is eligible for varying amounts of food stamps, and even with food stamps and government assistance, some still cannot access the food they need. Keep in mind that food stamps cannot be used for soap, diapers and paper products, which families also need. Plus, many of these families lack everyday appliances such as refrigerators or stoves to store and prepare nutritious meals.

Source: The Food Bank Council of Michigan


 
 

Only homeless and/or jobless people need assistance to purchase food.


 
 

Don’t judge too quickly. Many people who are homeless and jobless do need help to pay for their food. There are, however, many people—especially children and the elderly—who need food emergency assistance. And many families with at least one working adult that need support as well. Surprising, huh?

Source: Feeding America®


 
 

We need larger farms to grow more food.


 
 

It’s not always the size of the farm that allows farmers to produce more food. Efficiency in farming can help create more crops. It’s often other factors like improved technology, climate, access to water and roads that improve farming and food supply. In fact, smaller farms can produce four or five times more crops per acre compared to larger farms that don't have quality farming tools, technology and a better environment. How’s that for size?

Source: Rehydrate.org 


 
 

There is no hunger problem in the United States.


 
 

One in six people in the United States do not know where their next meal is coming from. Next time you open the pantry or have a snack, be thankful that you have food to eat.

Source: Feeding America® 


 
 

Hunger and malnutrition are not major global health risks.


 
 

Guess what? Hunger and malnutrition are the number one risks to health worldwide - —greater than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Source: The World Food Programme 


 
 

Hunger exists because there is a lack of food


 
 

The world produces enough food to feed everyone. The principal problem is that many people in the world do not have sufficient income to purchase or land to grow enough food.

Source: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations


 
 

We can’t solve world hunger.


 
 

Believe it or not, we can solve world hunger, but not alone. Solving world hunger means putting smart and dedicated people like you behind the cause. You have the power to choose a career path where you will contribute to solving global hunger. Whether you’re an artist, scientist or farmer, we can all face hunger and fight hunger in our own unique ways.

Source: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Bread for the World; The World Bank