World Hunger and Poverty Basics
 (image credit[1]) When discussing world hunger, the most applicable definition is: “the want or scarcity of food in a country or region”. Regional hunger, or food insecurity, is characterized by failure to meet the four pillars of food security: Availability, Accessibility, Utilization, and Stability. [2] Availability- The availability of food in a region is connected with production, distribution, and exchange. Food production has outpaced global population growth[3], but just because to food exists does not mean it is available. Consumers outnumber producers in every country, and there are very few families, and even fewer entire regions which are entirely self-sufficient. Therefore, individuals must rely on economics- the ability to trade for or purchase- to get food. This can lead to issues with Access- Even when the food supply in a particular area, there can still be access barriers to obtaining enough to eat. This boils down overwhelmingly to poverty, and issues with the affordability of food. In order to combat hunger there must be an increase in available Direct Access (through farming, gardening, and raising livestock or fishing), and Economic Access (or access to money or tradable goods to purchase food). To count, access to food must be social acceptable, not achieved through begging, soup kitchens, going through the trash, or other unreasonable “alternatives” which are often proposed. Utilization means that the quality and quantity of food must be sufficient for physiological needs, and is at least moderately nutritious. And finally, food Stability- Hunger and food insecurity cannot be overcome unless food becomes regularly and steadily available to the entire world population, forever. [4] [4] http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPROCUREMENT/Resources/ConsultationTranscript-Presentation-HQ.pps  Famines are Man-Made.The world produces more than enough food to go around; but extreme global inequality prevents access, causing 1/3 of the world to live in a constant state of starvation.
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