As the world marks World Food Day , a new national U.S. poll from Action Against Hunger, conducted by The Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults, reveals that nearly three in four Americans (72%) believe the U.S. should spend at least 1% of the federal budget on international aid, helping to end hunger. This overwhelming support comes at a critical moment, as U.S. spending on international aid has fallen dramatically following the shuttering of USAID in 2025, further reducing the U.S. spending on this area.
The Action Against Hunger 2025 Hunger Perception Poll shows that American support for addressing global hunger extends across party lines, with 61% of Republicans, 70% of Independents, and 87% of Democrats agreeing that the U.S. should achieve this minimum 1% spending threshold.
“Americans understand that investing in solutions to global hunger is not just the right thing to do – it’s essential for our collective future,” said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO, Action Against Hunger. “Even as official aid budgets shrink, the American people are sending a clear message that they want their government to do more, not less, to address one of the world’s most solvable problems.”
Key findings from the 2025 poll include:
– Food security as national security: 59% of Americans view extreme hunger in poor countries as a risk to U.S. security, likely recognizing that hunger and instability are deeply linked globally.
– Climate concerns drive food insecurity worries: Nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) worry that changing weather patterns could create global food shortages.
– Call for better food systems: More than three in four Americans (77%) agree the U.S. government should do more to create a better global food system.
– Support for climate adaptation: Three in five Americans (60%) believe richer countries like the U.S. should help low-income countries pay for the costs of adapting to climate change – a 9% increase from 55% in 2024.
A Generational Shift
The poll reveals particularly strong support among younger Americans for action on hunger-related issues, with 80% of Millennials (ages 29-44) and 74% of Gen Z (ages 18-28) backing the 1% spending threshold for international aid, compared to 66% of Boomers (ages 61-79). This generational divide may signal a long-term shift in how Americans prioritize global hunger and climate adaptation.
“Younger generations are leading the way in recognizing the interconnected nature of global challenges,” added Dr. Owubah. “They understand that food security, climate change, and global stability are not isolated issues, but deeply intertwined.”
The Reality on the Ground
Nearly one in 12 people around the world currently face hunger, a number rising due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond. Despite these growing needs, the world currently produces more than enough food for everyone. Over the past 45 years, there has been a 60% drop in the number of children dying from hunger’s deadly effects, demonstrating that progress is possible with adequate resources and political will.
On this World Food Day, Action Against Hunger calls on U.S. policymakers to heed the voices of American voters and renew the nation’s commitment to ending global hunger through sustained investment in international aid and climate adaptation.
The full report is available here:
