Final answer:
Global food inequality is characterized by regional variations in food security, with about 795 million people going hungry worldwide. Economic access, availability, and utilization are key to understanding these disparities. Food insecurity remains a complex global challenge, not limited to impoverished regions alone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of global food inequality is complex and reflects variations in food security across different regions of the world. The correct answer to the student's question is c) Food security varies by region. This assertion acknowledges that while some areas experience high levels of food security, others face significant challenges due to factors such as poverty, lack of access, and inadequate nutrition. Food insecurity is not a localized issue, nor is it prevalent everywhere to the same degree; rather, it is an unevenly distributed problem exacerbated by a confluence of social, economic, and environmental factors. It's crucial to note that food availability is not the sole determinant of food security; economic access and proper utilization are also pivotal factors influencing whether individuals and communities can acquire and benefit from nutritious food consistently.
About 795 million people across the globe are estimated to go hungry each night, revealing the substantial challenge of achieving food security for all. Moreover, progress in increasing agricultural productivity does not directly translate into food security due to intricacies like poverty and the self-perpetuating cycle of undernutrition and reduced economic productivity. Even in developed countries, food insecurity impacts public health and economic stability, with a substantial cost to society. Addressing these issues is integral to working towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger, which currently seems a distant target.