It is estimated that between 702 and 828 million people worldwide suffer the effects of hunger¹. This is a reality, even though there would be enough food for every person on our planet. So why do so many people still go hungry?

The global production of animal-based foods (meat, dairy, eggs) – especially in high-income countries – is closely linked to world hunger, primarily due to the inefficient use of global food resources. For meat, dairy and eggs, large amounts of crops to feed animals are required. Although there would be enough plant-based food to feed everyone across the world, a lot of plant proteins are lost as feed in animal farming, since animals use most of them for basic physical needs (to grow, move, stay alive). Only a small fraction of the plant protein fed to animals ends up in animal products: For every 100 grams of grain protein fed to animals, we get only about 43 grams of protein in milk, 35 in eggs, 40 in chicken, 10 in pork and 5 in beef². Growing crops to feed people directly is a much more efficient way to use our resources than producing animal products. Even if the animals are raised on non-arable land – meaning land that is not suitable to grow crops – most of them will be fed, at least partially, with feed grown on arable land³.

Producing animal-based food uses a lot more land, leaving less space to grow crops for direct human consumption: 77% of agricultural land is used for farmed animals for grazing and feed production, but only 23% are used for crops for human consumption⁴. As more crops are diverted to feed livestock, staple foods like soy and corn become more expensive, placing a heavier burden on those living in poverty.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, requires enormous amounts of water and energy, thus fuels climate change, which affects low-income regions especially.

Cutting back on animal products could be a powerful step towards fighting world hunger and simultaneously would help billions of animals suffering in factory farms. Especially in high-income countries, there is an over-consumption of animal products. By reducing consumption of animal products and choosing a plant-based diet – the most animal-friendly diet – instead, we can lower the pressure on the animals, the planet, and its people.