Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Goal 2: Zero Hunger

What is SDGs Goal 2?

SDGs Goal 2 is “Zero Hunger,” with its mission statement being “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” by 2030.

This goal has eight targets and 14 indicators measuring the world’s success in this aspect. For example, the targets include:

end hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food,

end all forms of malnutrition and

ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.

The UN estimates nearly 690 million people, including children, are hungry. This means 8.9% of the world population does not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Unfortunately, the number of people affected by hunger increases and could surpass 840 million by 2030, about one in 10 people.

The hunger issue has been worsened by climate change, man-made conflicts and economic downturns. The COVID-19 pandemic added 130 million people at risk of suffering acute hunger by the end of 2020. Therefore, increasing sustainable food production through systematic changes such as farming and investment is crucial to stop the perils of hunger.

Hunger and food security in Japan

Japan needs a reliable system to feed hungry children at the poverty line. One in seven children in Japan is living in poverty, the worst rate in the OECD nations. Moreover, during the state of emergency in 2020, all public schools stopped serving free lunches due to the school closure. Under the surface, this policy has put many children in low-income families at risk of acute hunger and malnutrition.

Also, Japan has been experiencing a sharply decreased number of farmers that threatens the nation’s food production. The country needs to tackle the issue in order to secure healthy and sustainable food for all.

Child poverty is a problem Japan needs to give a voice to

There are children in Japan who do not get enough to eat, many of them being from single-parent households. Fighting child poverty and hunger requires support from the government and the local community. Some volunteer-run kodomo shokudo (child cafeterias) serve free or affordable meals for those in need.

Child poverty is a problem Japan needs to give a voice to

Is Japan finally becoming more vegan-friendly?

Plant-based diets can have significant health and environmental benefits. Though Japan is not known as a vegan-friendly country, there is a positive trend to serve more vegan or vegetarian options. The progress is relatively slow, but, surely, more people are now aware of the concept or practicing veganism themselves. Let’s explore some tips to practice a plant-based diet in Japan!

Is Japan finally becoming more vegan-friendly?

A guide to shojin ryori, Japan’s sustainable plant-based cuisine

Traditional Japanese cuisine has encouraged seasonal and local consumption, including shojin ryori, which Buddhist monks practice. Not wasting food is also important in shojin ryori. There are many inspirational ideas around the traditional Japanese diet we can learn to help sustainable agriculture and promote healthy food production.

A guide to shojin ryori, Japan’s sustainable plant-based cuisine