Our impact on individuals
2.2.2
ACT FOR A HUNGER-FREE WORLD
Acting locally and sustainably for a hunger-free world means working for a better quality of life. This is the mission of Stop Hunger, a global non-profit network created 25 years ago by Sodexo employees in the United States. To sustainably eradicate hunger in the communities most in need, Stop Hunger’s activities go beyond food assistance with one priority: women empowerment.
Those who suffer from hunger are most inclined to be affected by conflict and climate change. Since 2020, the global health crisis and its social and economic repercussions have worsened food insecurity, and no country is spared. Because of the pandemic, hunger is on the rise again. Today, up to 800 million people around the world suffer from hunger, which is 161 million more than last year, and 41 million people are threatened by famine.
Hunger is increasing, even though our planet is capable of feeding 12 billion people.
Responding to this food emergency affecting the most vulnerable, regardless of country
Since the start of the global health crisis, Stop Hunger has distributed 8.5 million meals through the support of Sodexo and its ecosystem. 41,000 volunteers have got involved locally across 54 countries. An exceptional donation of over 4 million U.S. dollars was mobilized to provide immediate and meaningful support to 200 food banks, NGOs and charities in the most affected countries.
Food aid remains vital in addressing hunger immediately and on daily basis to save lives. However, Stop Hunger continues to act, enabling those most in need to escape hunger sustainably.
We must act to avoid present and future crises and build greater resilience. The solution is to transform existing food systems and develop food self-sufficiency, education, cooperation and to empowerment women.
THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO ELIMINATE HUNGER
Stop Hunger’s priority is women empowerment. According to various studies, women are key to fighting hunger effectively. Through Stop Hunger experience in supporting women most in need, we know and can measure the positive impact they are having in their homes and communities.
Stop Hunger has invested 6.5 million U.S. dollars over the past five years in 54 programs in 31 countries to provide women with access to training and employment. Among these programs, 29 outstanding women have received the “Women Stop Hunger Awards”, benefiting from financially assistance and support for their actions. These awards were launched in 2017 with support from the Sodexo’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and its SoTogether gender networks. Overall, at least 30,000 women benefit from the women empowerment programs Stop Hunger supports.