According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Asia Pacific region still has 490 million hungry people in their midst, more than any other region. In the developing world alone, 66 million children of primary school age go to school hungry[1]. Research shows insecurity in childhood can limit a child’s cognitive and socio-emotional development, long-term productivity and economic potential[2].
How do you solve morning hunger in the Asia Pacific region? As a global food company, Kellogg is a leader in addressing hunger and food security. As we deploy for growth, our ability to both make a difference in people’s lives and win in the marketplace are completely intertwined in today’s world of connected, socially conscious consumers.
Our global signature cause platform Breakfasts for Better Days™ is a great example. The platform brings together corporate, brand and customer partherships to help solve for food security and hunger, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2. We just announced accelerated progress against this bold agenda in our Corporate Responsibility report.
In Asia Pacific, we collaborate with Food Forward South Africa to provide 125,000 breakfasts per week to 25,000 children in more than 40 low income schools each year. The breakfast we give them is often the only meal they will receive that day and provides the nutrition to support their health and development and the energy needed to stay focused in class. We found that children who are part of the program have better attendance, class participation and improved self-esteem. The program, which began in 2016, demonstrates that through providing breakfast we can have a positive impact on children’s health and their future.
We know that no single company or government can solve these challenges alone, which is why Kellogg’s hosted a full-day workshop at the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network Conference (AVPN) in Singapore to build deeper partnerships and commitments from organizations who are dedicated to solving morning hunger with us. At the workshop, Kellogg’s Asia Pacific President Amit Banati and industry experts came together to discuss the challenges that countries face with trying to overcome hunger and achieving food security.
We all agree that no child should go to school hungry. This workshop was part of a much-larger conversation and movement to take action on the issue to achieve food security and to reach our goals. We’re working with the companies we connected with at AVPN to keep the conversation going.
