To break the cycle between food insecurity and mental health, initiatives need to be undertaken that directly target mental health issues
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This article is part of the essay series “World Mental Health Day 2024”
Food insecurity is a major global public health issue that severely impacts mental well-being. The intricate connection between food security and mental health plays a crucial part in achieving both Sustainable Development Goals 2 ‘Zero-Hunger’ and 3 ‘Good Health & Well-being’. According to the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, approximately one out of every 11 people worldwide is affected by chronic hunger as a result of food insecurity. This indicates that the global attempts to eliminate hunger and food insecurity by 2030, could be falling even more behind schedule. Between 2019 and 2022, global hunger rose by 122 million people, while food insecurity saw a 20 percent increase. Global hunger, influenced by conflict, climate change, rising food prices, and inequalities, could be stabilizing. Nonetheless, it remains higher than before the pandemic (815 million people were impacted in 2017 compared to 333 million people affected in 2023). The interventions during and after the pandemic could be the reason for these positives, however, the global grain trade has been affected by the war in Ukraine, leading to its gradual decrease. The conflict in Gaza will excaerbate global food insecurity. Aside from local food shortages, conflicts disrupt global food systems, agricultural output, and supply chains by decreasing production, limiting access to vital resources such as fertilisers and farm chemicals, and driving prices up, presenting major obstacles to food security on a global scale.
According to the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, approximately one out of every 11 people worldwide is affected by chronic hunger as a result of food insecurity.
Figure 1: Food insecurity is a mental health issue
Food security plays a major role in mental health, affecting stress, emotions, cognitive abilities, and overall psychological health. A review study confirms the connection between food security and mental anguish and key areas to explore further, including mental health signs (eating disorders and suicide), surrounding factors (environmental and personal influences), and limited access to food. Women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, leading to higher vulnerability to mental stress. Research on 'the connection between food insecurity and mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic' discovered that individuals experiencing food insecurity are at a heightened risk of anxiety (257 percent) and depression (253 percent). A study conducted in 160 countries globally discovered a significant connection between the health, food availability, and emotional well-being of youth. The lack of essential commodities (such as food sources, access, availability, and nutritional status) can impact mental well-being. In Africa, a systematic review found that the impact of food insecurity on mental health is higher in older individuals and women. Research from Portugal revealed that women from food-insecure households displayed higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Food insecurity has risen amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and impacts marginalised groups, putting people at greater vulnerability to experiencing negative mental health outcomes.
A review study confirms the connection between food security and mental anguish and key areas to explore further, including mental health signs (eating disorders and suicide), surrounding factors (environmental and personal influences), and limited access to food.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is described as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” A research study looked into the connection between food insecurity and mental health among people in 149 countries, finding a significant correlation between poor mental health and food insecurity. According to the Lancet, food insecurity is linked to early growth delays, impaired cognitive development, and lower scores on mental health measures, primarily because it leads to micronutrient deficiency. Mental health issues in mothers and children are more prevalent when mothers experience food insecurity, a stressor that could be alleviated through social policy interventions. Children in food-deprived households, often experience aggressive behaviour and psychological stress from their parents, resulting in negative behaviour in children. A recent systemic review found a complex interplay between gender, age, rural/urban living, and health status linked to the worsening of various mental health outcomes.
Although challenges are present, scalable and sustainable intervention and innovative approaches can address the diverse needs of populations across regions. The social safety net programmes in West African countries are designed to offer direct assistance to vulnerable populations such as children, women, youth, and the elderly, assisting them in managing the effects of increasing food costs. The European Union's “Farm to Fork Strategy” demonstrates creative methods for enhancing food security. Technology-based solutions such as mobile apps and data analytics have been utilised to improve food security by making food distribution systems more efficient, decreasing food waste, and providing timely access to nutritional information. India's electronic Public Distribution System, known as “e-PDS,” incorporates technology to enhance the distribution process of subsidised food grains to beneficiaries, leading to more efficient food distribution and improved targeting of at-risk communities.
Food insecurity is linked to early growth delays, impaired cognitive development, and lower scores on mental health measures, primarily because it leads to micronutrient deficiency.
To break the cycle between food insecurity and mental health, interventions need to directly target mental health issues. It is crucial to combine initiatives targeting both elements to promote sustainable development and meet the 2030 Agenda. Cooperation among countries, through multilateral organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and G20 etc., can strengthen humanitarian efforts and deal with food supply chain disruptions. Incorporating mental health assistance into current community initiatives, particularly in areas facing widespread food insecurity, can offer a holistic strategy. This calls for cooperation among mental health professionals, community leaders, and policymakers.
Shoba Suri is a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.
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Dr. Shoba Suri is a Senior Fellow with ORFs Health Initiative. Shoba is a nutritionist with experience in community and clinical research. She has worked on nutrition, ...
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