Global Hunger Is Still Increasing!

A new United Nations study reports that “821 million people globally were undernourished in 2017—about one person in every nine. And nearly 151 million under-fives—22% of the global total—have their growth stunted by poor nutrition” (BBC, September 11, 2018). Experts say increasing weather extremes, increasing global conflicts and increasing violence are all to blame for the growing hunger situation. This is now the third consecutive year of rising global hunger. At the same time, the growing consumption of “junk foods” is promoting increased obesity—another deadly food-related condition. Globally, there are nearly 700 million obese people.

Hunger is not a new phenomenon, as people have been starving for millennia. However, in our modern world where surplus food is available, hunger should no longer be an issue. But for many reasons, including the inability of human beings to get along with each other, widespread greed, and the continued outbreaks of violence and war, the Bible indicates world hunger will continue and even get worse as we approach the end of the age (see Matthew 24:3–8; Revelation 6:5–8).

Thankfully, hunger and suffering will not go on indefinitely. The Bible foretells the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom over the earth (Revelation 5:10). During this coming time of peace and prosperity, the desert will actually be filled with streams and rivers (Isaiah 35:6–7) and there will be unprecedented harvests (Psalm 72:16; Amos 9:13)! This will happen because Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7) will lead humanity to make decisions that will help and no longer hurt. For greater insights into a world without hunger, read or listen to The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?