What are we doing with all this food?
On World Food Day, people around the globe will discuss hunger, sustainability and how to feed a growing population. There is another question worth asking: What are we feeding our food to?
Vast quantities of crops, land and water are used to raise animals who are then eaten by people. It is a remarkably resource-intensive way to produce food, especially while hundreds of millions of people face hunger.
Ending animal agriculture alone will not solve the political and economic causes of food insecurity, but that does not make the system sensible. If we were designing tomorrow’s food system today, would we build it this way?
We have an opportunity to grow more food for direct human consumption, expand affordable plant-based choices, support farmers through a fair transition and spare countless animals. A more efficient, equitable and compassionate future is possible — and it is worth putting on the table.