World hunger and the latest increases in global food prices are mainly dealt with
by measures aimed at boosting supply and allowing markets to function more
effectively. Motivated by the persistence of world hunger, we do not intend to
contribute to either theory or empirical analysis in economics; we rather aim to
show that current research and policies are locked in a sort of scientific paradigm
which takes as given our dietary preferences, which are in fact fundamental in
creating resource shortages and thus are correlated with world hunger. We bring
together current scientific knowledge on nutrition, economics, and environmental
studies, to illustrate that our dietary pattern poses large negative externalities to
the aims of hunger reduction and food security. It follows that measures to combat
world hunger should also address the negative effects this pattern has on the cost
and long-run availability of food. Thus more effort and resources should be expended
by governments in re-shaping demand towards choices that minimize these
negative externalities. An interesting finding is that combating hunger is neither
geographically focused nor based on pecuniary contributions only; individuals not
directly affected by hunger and food insecurity can make positive contributions
through their everyday food choices. Following this, implications and challenges
for research and policy are discussed.
