UN Report: One in Three People Can't Afford Healthy Diet

Global hunger fell for a third consecutive year in 2025, a trend highlighted in the latest annual report from five United Nations agencies. Despite the decline, the study warns that 2.69 billion people worldwide still cannot afford a diverse diet that meets their energy and nutrient needs, underscoring the persistent gap between food availability and affordability.

The report identifies the rising prices of fruits, vegetables and dairy products as a key barrier to healthy eating. It calls for coordinated policy action to reduce these costs, noting that achieving the global target of zero hunger by 2030 will require “immense” effort. The agencies urge governments, private sector actors and civil society to implement measures that improve supply chains, support small‑holder farmers and strengthen social safety nets.

In conclusion, while progress has been made in reducing outright hunger, the persistence of food affordability challenges demands immediate and sustained intervention. The UN agencies’ findings serve as a reminder that ending hunger will depend not only on increasing food production but also on ensuring that nutritious food is within reach for all.