The Grounded cafe, a student-run social enterprise in Hobart, aims to tackle student food insecurity by reinvesting all profits into the Tasmanian University Student Association's food programs. It offers affordable meals and a pay-it-forward system, providing a vital 'third space' for students.
A New York Fed survey reveals higher food insecurity in the U.S. now than during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 10% of families skipping meals and 16% relying on donations, exacerbated by economic strain and rising food prices.
According to the IMF's report, regional growth is expected to decline by 0.3 percentage points, and some 20 million people in Africa now face the risk of food insecurity as the Iran war raises energy and food prices.
The eight-week-old war in Iran is causing far-reaching consequences across the Global South, with countries in Africa and Asia experiencing energy shortages, rising costs, and food insecurity. Egypt has imposed 9 p.m. curfews on businesses to conserve energy, while Kenya faces fuel and transport cost spikes. Thailand is urging work-from-home and stair use, and Somalia warns of worsening food crises as imports from Dubai are interrupted. The U.N. estimates 45 million people could face acute food insecurity if the conflict persists.
At World Bank/IMF meetings, global financial leaders warned that risks dominate as the Gulf conflict threatens food security. With the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupting energy trade, food shortages and famine are now likely for millions in vulnerable African and Asian countries after only seven weeks, writes the author.
Charities that provide food say they are running at full capacity, forcing some to close and others to rethink how they deliver meals.
