Global food prices have risen to a two-year peak, as reported by the United Nations.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) food price index has reached its highest level since February 2023, according to a recent report. The index averaged 130.1 points in July 2023, a 1.6% increase from the previous month.
The report does not specify which food items are affected by the rise in the food price index. However, it does mention that high inflation has led to a decrease in purchasing power among the population, particularly affecting low-income individuals.
The food price index serves as a global benchmark for food prices, and its increase could have significant implications for food security around the world. The report notes that high inflation has made access to a healthy diet more difficult.
Between April 2020 and February 2022, global food prices rose more than 50%, with the surge exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which disrupted Ukraine's vital grain exports. Food prices peaked at an index of 160 in March 2022 but have since decreased somewhat, settling at 128 points in June 2025, still up 28% compared to the 2014-2016 base and about 35% above 2019 levels.
Food price inflation has outpaced general inflation, particularly harming low-income countries where food insecurity has worsened due to price shocks. By 2024, the average daily cost of a healthy diet rose to $4.46 at purchasing power parity, rendering it unaffordable for approximately 2.6 billion people worldwide.
The report particularly mentions that low-income individuals are affected by the decrease in purchasing power. In Ukraine, inflation slowed somewhat by mid-2025, but food prices remain volatile, with notable monthly increases in fruits and meats. This volatility reflects the ongoing economic impact of the military conflict and inflationary pressures even as some harvests stabilize.
In conclusion, the military operation in Ukraine and high inflation have significantly affected global food prices, making it difficult for low-income individuals to afford a healthy diet. Food price inflation has outpaced general inflation, particularly harming low-income countries where food insecurity has worsened due to price shocks. The cost of a healthy diet has risen beyond the reach of billions, severely limiting access to nutritious food for low-income individuals worldwide. This combination of conflict-driven supply disruptions and inflationary pressures has undermined global food security, especially among vulnerable populations struggling to afford a healthy diet.
- Science could provide insights into mitigating food price inflation and its impact on health-and-wellness, particularly for low-income individuals.
- Addressing food price inflation by improving food and agricultural practices and policies is crucial for global health-and-wellness, especially in low-income countries.
