2.69 billion people can’t afford a healthy diet, UN warns

Global hunger dropped for the third straight year in 2025, but a new UN report reveals a deeper crisis: 2.69 billion people—one in three globally—cannot afford to eat a healthy diet. The annual report from five UN agencies warns that the cost of fruit, vegetables, and dairy remains too high for billions. Without urgent action, the goal of zero hunger by 2030 will require “immense” effort, experts say. The findings highlight a gap between falling hunger rates and rising food prices. While fewer people are starving, many still lack access to diverse, nutritious meals. The report calls for governments to lower food costs and improve supply chains to make healthy eating affordable for all.