Globally, levels of hunger and under-nourishment are alarming – and they are growing.
Just over 2 billion people around the world face moderate to severe food insecurity, lacking access to sufficient nourishment to maintain health.
Hunger has immediate impacts on individuals, families and communities and also prevents progress towards other SDGs. Hunger has knock-on effects on health, employment, poverty and community well-being. The challenge of feeding the world well, using food that is produced sustainably, is thus urgent.
In the UK, just over 14 million people were food insecure in 2024, and six and a half million relied on charities such as food banks to source their food.
At ARU, our research and teaching brings together expertise from the natural sciences and the social sciences and humanities to solve the complex challenges of hunger, food insecurity and nutrition. We work right across the food chain – exploring how food can be produced more sustainably, to working with policy makers and businesses to improve access. Our teaching equips students with the knowledge and skills to respond to issues of hunger, nutrition and sustainable food production. We also work with partners across our region and beyond to support communities, reduce barriers to access, and develop practical solutions to food insecurity.
Together, these activities reflect our commitment to addressing hunger in all its forms, contributing to more sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems for the future.
Our researchers work with communities, charities, public authorities and policymakers to investigate both the causes and consequences of poverty and disadvantage.
We equip students with the knowledge and skills to address poverty, inequality and social exclusion through an interdisciplinary, practice-based approach to teaching and learning.
We work to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to access higher education and thrive during their studies.
Through a range of partnerships, we we support the wider community in tackling poverty.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.