World Food Day highlights global undernourishment and accessibility challenges

World Food Day has brought renewed attention to global food security and the diverse challenges of nutrition. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 673 million people, or 8.2 percent of the global population, were undernourished in 2024. While undernourishment in Southern Asia decreased from 7.9 percent in 2022 to 6.7 percent in 2024, significant food insecurity remains for a large portion of the region.

In Sri Lanka, the poultry sector has seen growth, with meat production rising from approximately 236,110 tonnes in 2023 to 258,540 tonnes in 2024, and egg output increasing from 2,044 million to 2,953 million. However, challenges persist regarding feed requirements, such as the domestic maize output which totaled 223,497 tonnes in 2024 against an estimated annual requirement of 700,000 tonnes.

Beyond availability, food security also involves accessibility for neurodivergent individuals. For people with sensory differences or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), food security is tied to the reliability of specific brands, textures, and preparations. For these populations, the disappearance of a specific food item from shelves can constitute a significant barrier to nutrition, even when other food is available.