Who are the people most affected by food insecurity?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Bank, a staggering 28%—nearly 2.3 billion people—were moderately or severely food insecure in 2024, representing those who lack regular access to adequate food. The issue disproportionately affects already vulnerable populations, with low-income individuals, women, and children among the groups experiencing the greatest risk. Understanding who these groups are is the first step toward effective intervention and equitable change.

Quick Summary

An examination of the socioeconomic and demographic factors that cause food insecurity to disproportionately impact specific groups, including those in poverty, women and children, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Key Points

Women and children are disproportionately affected: Women, especially single mothers, and children face a higher risk of food insecurity due to economic instability and physiological needs.
Systemic racism creates food insecurity disparities: Racial and ethnic minorities, such as Black and Indigenous communities, face higher rates of food insecurity because of systemic discrimination and lack of equitable access to resources.
Poverty is a leading driver of food insecurity: Low-income households and those with unstable employment are consistently at greater risk of food insecurity, with high living costs and low wages straining budgets.
Health conditions increase vulnerability: People with disabilities and those with chronic health or mental health conditions face heightened food insecurity due to high medical costs and access barriers.
Location impacts food security: Residents of rural areas, conflict zones, and low-income urban neighborhoods (food deserts) often experience higher rates of food insecurity due to poor infrastructure and limited access to resources.
Effective solutions require targeted strategies: Addressing food insecurity necessitates a multi-faceted approach focusing on the specific needs of vulnerable groups, which is more effective than universal solutions.

Understanding the Landscape of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond simple hunger, encompassing a lack of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. While its impact is far-reaching, certain demographic and socioeconomic groups bear a heavier burden due to systemic inequalities, economic instability, and other exacerbating factors. Identifying these populations is critical for developing targeted, effective interventions.

Populations Disproportionately Affected by Food Insecurity

Several groups face a significantly higher risk of experiencing food insecurity. Their vulnerability is often a result of interlocking issues such as low wages, limited access to resources, and discrimination.

Women and Children

Globally, women and children are among the most vulnerable to food insecurity. Women, particularly single mothers, face higher rates of food insecurity compared to men. In some cases, mothers may reduce their own food intake to protect their children, which can lead to detrimental health consequences for themselves. For children, the effects of food insecurity can be severe, impacting physical growth, cognitive development, and mental health. Malnutrition during early childhood can lead to long-term health problems and developmental delays.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Systemic racism and discrimination contribute significantly to disparities in food security. In the United States, for example, racial and ethnic minorities consistently experience food insecurity at much higher rates than white individuals. Factors such as unequal access to employment, housing discrimination, and food deserts (areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food) exacerbate the issue within these communities. For instance, a 2023 USDA study revealed food insecurity rates among Black and American Indian households were significantly higher than the national average.

Low-Income Households

Unsurprisingly, low-income households are highly susceptible to food insecurity. Low wages, unstable employment, and job loss mean that a significant portion of a household’s budget must be allocated to other essentials like housing and healthcare, leaving little for food. Food price inflation, as seen globally in recent years, further stretches already tight budgets, pushing more people into food-insecure situations.

Individuals with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions

People with disabilities and those experiencing severe mental illness are at a higher risk of food insecurity. Physical limitations can create barriers to accessing food, while the high cost of managing chronic health conditions can divert income away from grocery budgets. Furthermore, the stigma associated with seeking assistance can prevent individuals from accessing food support programs.

Elderly and Displaced Populations

Older adults, especially those living alone, can face food insecurity due to low fixed incomes, health issues, and limited mobility. Displaced populations, including migrants and those fleeing conflict or climate disasters, are also extremely vulnerable. Conflict can disrupt food systems, making nutritious food inaccessible, and displacement forces people from their homes, leaving them without stable food sources.

The Impact of Location

The geographic location of a community plays a major role in food insecurity. Rural and remote areas often have higher rates of food insecurity due to lower economic opportunities, limited access to healthy food, and insufficient infrastructure. Meanwhile, food insecurity can also be a significant problem in urban areas, particularly in low-income neighborhoods or 'food deserts' lacking nearby grocery stores.

Case Study: Sub-Saharan Africa vs. North America and Europe

To illustrate the regional disparities, a comparison of food insecurity prevalence highlights stark differences. This table is based on prevalence data for moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, as reported by the FAO.


Region	Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity (2023)	Key Contributing Factors
Africa	58.0%	Conflict, climate extremes, high food prices, and endemic poverty.
Asia	24.8%	Regional disparities, income inequality, and vulnerability to economic shocks.
Latin America and the Caribbean	28.2%	Economic shocks, high food prices, and displacement due to violence.
Northern America and Europe	Prevalence close to global average	Income inequality, low wages, high cost of living, and unemployment.

Addressing the Crisis Requires Multi-Faceted Solutions

Combating food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach that targets the root causes affecting these vulnerable populations. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, strengthening social protection programs, and addressing systemic inequalities. Efforts should also focus on improving local and national food systems to ensure equitable access to safe and nutritious food. Addressing food insecurity not only tackles hunger but also improves public health, economic stability, and social well-being for entire communities.

Conclusion

Food insecurity is a global challenge that affects a broad spectrum of people, but its burden is not distributed equally. Women, children, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations are among those who bear the brunt of this crisis. The geographic location, whether in a conflict-ridden region or an urban 'food desert,' further exacerbates the problem. By recognizing the specific vulnerabilities of these affected populations, governments and humanitarian organizations can implement more effective, targeted interventions. Only through a concerted, multi-sectoral approach can the world hope to achieve sustainable food security for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary factor is often poverty and low household income, which limits the ability to consistently purchase sufficient, healthy food.

Women and children are considered highly vulnerable due to socioeconomic factors, physiological needs (especially during pregnancy and early childhood), and a tendency for mothers to prioritize their children's nutrition over their own.

Systemic racism and ongoing discrimination in areas like employment and housing can limit access to healthy food, creating food deserts and perpetuating poverty within racial and ethnic minority communities.

Yes, older adults can be at higher risk, particularly those with low fixed incomes or health conditions that make it difficult to shop for or prepare food.

Geographic location plays a major role, as residents of rural areas, conflict zones, and urban food deserts often have limited access to affordable, nutritious food due to inadequate infrastructure and market disruption.

Moderate food insecurity involves compromises in the quality and variety of food due to resource limitations, while severe food insecurity means individuals have run out of food and, at worst, have gone entire days without eating.

Managing chronic health conditions, especially with limited income, can divert money that would otherwise be spent on food. This can create a cycle where poor nutrition exacerbates health problems.