In just about every industry globally, we are still feeling the effects of COVID-19. From shortages to supply chain disruptions and other frustrations, the world continues to grapple with issues. The global food supply is no different. Add in a war ravaging a region once called “the breadbasket of Europe,” and we have a challenging situation.
What Is Causing the Food Crisis?
As we navigate through 2023, the world continues to grapple with a food shortage of unprecedented proportions. According to the World Food Programme, the number of individuals facing acute food insecurity has surged to 345 million across 79 countries. This crisis, fueled by conflict, climate shocks, and the lingering effects of COVID-19, has been further exacerbated by geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine.
Climate Change
While we may not be seeing some of the most dire effects of climate change just yet, there’s no question that droughts, flooding, and extreme weather of all sorts are on the rise.
From tourism, like Venice flooding and sinking, to wildfires ravaging across the west coast of the United States, climate change is affecting every area of our lives. The food industry is no different.
Look no further than two of the US’s leading farm regions, the Midwestern corn belt, and California’s central valley, to see the effects already being felt.
In California, extreme drought conditions are making it nearly impossible for farmers to produce as much as they once did. This region is one of our top producers of vegetables, berries, nuts, and dairy, so we could be in trouble if the problem isn’t rectified soon.
In the Midwest, they’re experiencing the opposite problem. Increasing floods and “gully washers” are stripping away the precious topsoil needed to produce corn. The region produces about 75% of the nation’s corn supply, and since the Europeans first colonized the area, it has already lost about 35% of its topsoil.
These problems are being experienced worldwide as this global crisis continues to develop and expand. And it’s likely that some of the damage done can’t be corrected quickly, possibly leading to global food shortage problems for years to come.
Cyberattacks
You probably heard about last year’s ransomware attack on JBS, the world's biggest meatpacker. The company eventually paid cybercriminals $11 million to get things back up and running, but that’s hardly the end of the story.
The food industry is now coming to terms with its vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. The problem is that so much of our food supply comes from just a few companies, and many of them haven’t prioritized cybersecurity, leaving the entire supply chain vulnerable.
Labor shortages
The pandemic exposed many problems in our economy, and one of the most lasting seems to be a labor shortage. The problem is far-reaching, affecting nearly every piece of the supply chain, from pickers to packers, transportation to retail to restaurants.
The jobs seeing the worst shortages seem to be those with less desirable working conditions. Since farm labor is often dangerous and back-breaking work and packaging plants aren’t much better, it’s no surprise that the labor shortage is causing problems for our food supply.
Another major factor is that most fresh foods are perishable, meaning that any delay in transportation can lead to spoilage. Crates of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables have been left sitting in a shipping container because there aren’t enough drivers to move them to their destination. In some cases, the food needed to remedy this situation is literally being thrown away.
Scarce packaging materials
Finally, a concern that most people are likely not even thinking about in the food industry, a shortage of packaging supplies is causing further problems. The labor shortages that impact foods are also causing problems for materials producers.
Paper, plastic, glass, and other common materials used to package our favorite foods are all currently in short supply. Without these supplies, packaging plants can’t operate the way they’re supposed to, and products don’t make it onto grocery store shelves.
Which Countries Are Suffering the Most From The Global Food Shortage?
1) Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Number of people facing severe hunger: 26 million
Primary drivers of hunger: Conflict and displacement
Details: The DRC is currently the world's largest hunger crisis, exacerbated by over 25 years of conflict and endemic poverty. 26 million people, equivalent to the population of Texas, are severely hungry, and over 5 million have been displaced from their homes. The Congolese people have faced challenges ranging from climate shocks and pest infestations to Ebola outbreaks and the economic impacts of COVID-19.
2) Afghanistan
Number of people facing severe hunger: 19.9 million
Primary driver of hunger: Four decades of conflict
Details: The withdrawal of international troops in August 2021 led to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government. This, combined with the takeover by Taliban forces, resulted in economic turmoil and widespread displacement. Currently, 19.9 million Afghans, nearly half the population, are severely hungry, with 4 million children and women being severely malnourished.
3) Yemen
Number of people facing severe hunger: 17 million
Primary driver of hunger: Civil war
Details: Yemen has been embroiled in a complex civil war for the past eight years. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of Yemenis facing severe hunger increased by over 1 million, reaching a record high of 17 million. Many families are surviving on minimal diets as rising prices make nutritious foods unaffordable.
4) Syria
Number of people facing severe hunger: 12 million
Primary driver of hunger: Civil war
Details: After 12 years of conflict, over 12 million Syrians are hungry, and nearly 13 million have been displaced from their homes. The Syrian economy has suffered, and the value of the Syrian pound has declined, further exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19.
5) The Sahel
Number of people facing severe hunger: 13 million (projected)
Primary drivers of hunger: Armed conflict and climate extremes
Details: The Sahel region, located just below the Sahara Desert, is experiencing one of the world's most severe hunger crises. Approximately 13 million people across five Sahelian countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger) are projected to face crisis levels of hunger. The situation is worsening due to the spread of conflict, rising food prices, poverty rates, and frequent and extreme climate shocks.
What Foods Are in Shortage Right Now?
In today’s market, there are several items you may have trouble finding at your local stores. There are also smaller regional shortages due to breakdowns in transportation.
If you watch the news or have a little one at home, you’ve probably heard about the baby formula shortage across the US. After a huge recall of several popular brands and the temporary closing of a major production facility, stock of this vital product has dwindled. Despite bringing in millions of bottles of formula from overseas, the problem seems to be worsening.
Some types of pet foods, too, are in short supply today. Aluminum can shortages are wreaking havoc on the industry as pet food packaging takes a back seat to human foods that need the same materials. Bare shelves are becoming a serious problem for pet owners whose cats and dogs are too picky to eat a different brand or who have medical issues requiring a specific type of food.
What Are Stores Running Short On?
Bread
Cooking Oil
Rice
Wheat
Corn
Baby Formula
Eggs
Beef
Sugar
Canned Pet Food
Food Deserts
While we attempt to cope with temporary shortages in various areas, there are some places where fresh food is always in shortage. These food deserts, as they have been labeled, are areas where the population does not have adequate access to fresh, healthy foods. Typically, residents live on a diet of fast food and other unhealthy options.
While this may seem like a third-world problem, it’s actually a significant issue right here in the US. In fact, the USDA maintains a Food Access Research Atlas, detailing the areas where fresh food options are few and far between. This atlas correlates low-income and low-access and shows areas where these two factors combine to form food deserts. Looking at the map, you might be surprised to see just how much of our country lacks access to fresh, healthy foods.
Is a Larger Global Food Shortage Coming?
While the shortages we’re seeing now make life difficult for many, they may be only the beginning. Global food shortages are coming, and we need to be prepared.
We’re likely to see more empty grocery store shelves and more food inflation by the end of this summer. The UN predicts that cereal and corn will start running out next year. Imported goods, particularly those coming from China or Eastern Europe, will likely continue to see supply chain problems.
As bad as things may get here, we’re unlikely to see the worst of the problems. Other nations are experiencing food crises and will probably continue to do so for the next year or more. The World Bank is working on responses, as are several other humanitarian organizations, but it’s unlikely they will be able to alleviate the supply chain problems completely.
Part of the issue is that many countries have been experiencing food insecurity for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated their plight.
Should I Stockpile for Food Shortages?
It’s always good to be prepared in case of an emergency, but stockpiling is not the same thing as hoarding. In general, it’s a good idea to have an emergency food supply that includes several days of non-perishable foods.
While you build up your stockpile of food, be reasonable in the amount you’re purchasing and storing. Hoarding too much food can cause further problems in the food supply chain, as we saw with toilet paper at the start of the pandemic.
Here are some foods you might consider stocking up on to ensure you’ve always got options in the pantry in the event of a food emergency:
Bottled water
Shelf-stable fruits and vegetables
Beans and lentils
Rice
Nuts
Peanut butter
Shelf-stable milk
Shelf-stable meat options
Healthy oils
Food for infants and young children
Food for pets
How to Shop Responsibly
In the face of an impending crisis, it’s vital that we each behave responsibly to keep from worsening the situation. But what does that mean in light of a global food shortage?
First, don’t panic. Panic buying leads to hoarding, and as discussed above, that’s not good for anyone. Instead, only purchase what you and your family will reasonably use.
Next, look for sustainable alternatives to your favorite foods and shop locally as much as possible. This way, you’ll avoid the problems related to the transportation of food and the climate crisis.
Finally, try to purchase goods that use minimal packaging. Cut back on single-use plastics and look for refillable or reusable alternatives.
How to Avoid Another Shortage of Food
Amidst these challenges, sustainable farming methods like hydroponics and vertical farming emerge as beacons of hope. At Eden Green, our mission-driven approach positions us as a solution to these global challenges.
Our vertical farming and hydroponic technology allow us to grow produce 24/7/365, using significantly less land and water than traditional farming. This not only addresses the immediate food needs but also supports long-term resilience in the face of such crises
While it may be too late to preempt the current food shortage concerns completely, we should be working toward a more sustainable future. Sustainable local foods are an excellent way to solve many of the problems that threaten our food supply, so that’s where we should focus our efforts.
A variety of different agricultural methods will be necessary to ultimately secure a sustainable food supply. Eden Green Technology has one piece of the puzzle that is both sustainable and able to function despite problems related to climate change and its far-reaching effects.
Our vertical farming greenhouses can grow up to 500 tons of leafy greens in as little as an acre and a half and are perfect for urban environments. They use no soil, instead growing plants in water with added nutrients. And since they’re fully contained, with controlled environments, they can thrive regardless of the climate, season, or weather conditions.
Studies show that urban agriculture improves shelf life for groceries as they spend less time in transit, avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, and are less likely to bruise from shipping.
Each greenhouse offers 30 full-time jobs with excellent and safe working conditions, living wages, and full benefits year-round. They can produce 11-13 harvests a year, with an average harvest cycle of just 28 days.
In addition to using 99% less land than traditional farming, our hydroponic systems also use 98% less water by repeatedly recycling the water in our systems. And since our greenhouses use sunlight to light our plants, we use 90% less light energy than most vertical farming systems.
What is Eden Green Doing to Respond to the Global Food Crisis?
At Eden Green, we remain committed to our vision of providing fresh, locally-grown hydroponic produce. Our customizable partner experience allows retailers to adapt to the changing landscape, ensuring that communities have access to fresh produce year-round.
We believe that with the right strategies, technologies, and partnerships, we can navigate these challenging times and work towards a future where food security is a reality for all.
We are committed to donating 10% of our produce to local charities. Over the years, we’ve donated tens of thousands of pounds of fresh hydroponic fruits and vegetables.
2020: 43,510 lbs of Freshness Delivered: Our inaugural year of giving set the tone for our commitment.
2021: 19,811 lbs of Community Support: Even in challenging times, our promise remained unyielding.
2022: 16,724 lbs of Sustained Commitment: Our bond with the community grew stronger.
2023: 124,599 lbs of Community Impact: A testament to our expanding vision and dedication.
Sources
“Global Food Crisis: World Food Programme.” UN World Food Programme, www.wfp.org/emergencies/global-food-crisis. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
“Food Security: Rising Food Insecurity in 2023.” World Bank, 31 July 2023, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update.
“Global Food Crisis: 10 Countries Suffering the Most from Hunger.” World Food Program USA, 9 Mar. 2023, www.wfpusa.org/articles/global-food-crisis-10-countries-suffering-the-most-from-hunger/.
