New Survey Shows Our Deep Impact

In 2024, The Hunger Project brought on an external firm to measure our impact across in the areas that matter most to us: eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and mobilizing community agency.

60 Decibels, a recognized leader in social impact assessment, collected data from over 2,000 community members across 12 countries to offer powerful insights into the impact of our programs and testimonials from our partners about the way engaging with The Hunger Project has transformed their lives.

Key Findings and Highlights

Eliminating Hunger

Our programs are transforming food systems so that everyone has access to locally-sourced, nutritious food that supports their health, well-being and growth. To do this, we work with trained community leaders to showcase sustainable farming practices, educate families on the importance of maternal and early childhood nutrition, develop community food processing businesses, and more.

In the survey, 92% of respondents reported that their access to healthy meals has increased since working with us and 85% of people surveyed report a decrease in their stress about nutrition.

“THP has trained me on the best farming practices, which has increased my farm yield tremendously.” – Ghana

Promoting Gender Equality

Empowered women are key to creating a world without hunger. When women are able to access resources and support, we see them shift community priorities toward issues of sanitation, nutrition, health and education. That’s why we focus on shifting mindsets about women’s roles in society and create spaces where women can grow their leadership.

After engaging with The Hunger Project, four out of five community members—women and men—now participate in more equitable household decision-making.

It is important to note, the survey showed that gender disparities persist, particularly in areas of financial well-being and community engagement, with men reporting higher levels of progress. We will continue to promote gender equality in the communities where we work through gender-focused initiatives that create equitable opportunities for women.

“Earlier, I was a housewife and did not go out of the house. Now I go to meetings and talk to people. After joining THP, I learned to listen to the problems of the community and I also started earning money.” – India

Reducing Poverty

Hunger and poverty are intertwined challenges. Our programs support people to build a foundation for their economic empowerment. We facilitate community-led literacy and numeracy courses, trainings for entrepreneurs, introduce Village Savings and Loans Associations and community-based income-generating activities where needed, and support better agricultural practices so farmers can earn more from their crop.

85% of respondents reported an increase in their ability to cover expenses after engaging with The Hunger Project. When asked for the most significant changes around financial well being, partners noted improved financial stability, increased income diversification and business growth.

“THP-Mexico helped me to realize the need to balance the different aspects of my life, that not everything is work. One has to make space for friends and family.” – Mexico

Mobilizing Community Agency

The core of all our programs is community mobilization. Our strategies seek to build people’s capacities, leadership and confidence. We train women and men, equipping them with the skills, methods and knowledge needed to take self-reliant actions to improve their lives and conditions in their communities.

This emphasis has led to a notable 42% increase in community involvement, with many local leaders taking on key roles in health and sanitation, community mobilization and capacity building. Over one-third of respondents attributed this change to increased confidence and leadership skills, demonstrating the transformative power of our training programs.

Additionally, 97% of the surveyed partners reported that their engagement with local government and community service providers has increased since engaging with The Hunger Project.

“After joining the Hunger Project, I’ve become more involved with our local government. I attend our local “ward sabha” meetings regularly and have been asked to share my thoughts when they work on the union budget. This gives me a chance to represent our community’s interests.” – Bangladesh

Driving Change with Data-Informed Strategies

We are dedicated to an innovation-driven, data-informed approach to community-led development.

From the data collected in this survey, 60 Decibels created reports with country-specific data and insights. Our program staff around the world will be engaging in cross-learning and sensemaking discussions to further refine our programs and maximize our impact.

Create a World Without Hunger

We are motivated that our community partners noted significant improvements in important areas of our work together.

96% of the people surveyed reported an increased quality of life after engaging with The Hunger Project.

Together, we are transforming the systems of inequity that allow hunger to persist. Women and men feel empowered. Young people are imagining their bright future—often for the first time in their lives. The communities we work with feel ready to take on the challenges of our time.