Food Security and the Global Food System

Food security affects all of us. As the global population grows and challenges like climate change, conflict, and rising costs continue, making sure everyone has access to safe, affordable and nutritious food is more urgent than ever. 

This FAQ breaks down what food security means, why it matters and how Cargill is helping shape a stronger, more resilient food system. 

What is food security? 

Food security means having regular, reliable access to enough safe and nutritious food to lead a healthy, active life. 

It comes down to four things: 

• Is food available? (Are we producing enough?) 
• Can people afford and access it? (Physically and financially) 
• Is it being used well? (Does it support people’s health?) 
• Will that continue? (Is it stable over time?) 

When all four are working, people can thrive. 

What is food insecurity? 

Food insecurity happens when people don't have consistent access to enough food that supports their health. Sometimes that’s short-term — caused by a disaster or job loss. Other times it’s ongoing — driven by poverty, conflict, climate change or fragile food systems. 

Today, more than 750 million people worldwide face food insecurity. That’s nearly 1 in 10 people. 

What is the difference between food security and food insecurity? 

Simple: 

• Food security = consistent, safe access to the food you need. 
• Food insecurity = uncertainty or lack of that access. 

It’s not just about hunger — it’s about stability, affordability and fairness in how food reaches people. 

Why is food security a global issue? 

Because the food on your plate is part of a global chain. 

What affects farmers in one region — like drought or conflict — can ripple across continents. The biggest global disruptors right now include: 

• Climate change and extreme weather 
• War and political instability 
• Rising costs (inflation) 
• Disruptions to transportation and supply chains 

Cargill plays a critical role as a connector of the global food system — helping move food from where it’s grown to where it’s needed most. 

What is urban farming and how does it support food security? 

Urban farming is about growing food in and around cities — think rooftops, community gardens, hydroponic systems in warehouses. It makes fresh food more accessible, especially in underserved areas, while cutting down on transportation emissions and food miles. 

Here’s how it stacks up:

What causes global hunger?

There’s no single cause. Hunger is the result of complex, overlapping issues:

• Poverty and inequality
• Conflict and displacement
• Climate shocks and natural disasters
• Economic instability and rising prices

At Cargill, we focus on tackling root causes — working with farmers, partners and governments to improve livelihoods and food systems.

How is Cargill helping improve food security?

We’re working on solutions at every link of the food chain. Here’s how:

• Supporting farmers with tools, training and market access
• Strengthening supply chains to withstand shocks
• Partnering to improve nutrition, reduce waste and expand emergency food access
• Innovating to cut food loss and make the system more efficient

Contact us to learn more.