Food assistance has gained renewed attention in recent years as countries grapple with rising inequality, economic disruption, and global crises. In China, the official completion of the anti-poverty campaign and the elimination of extreme poverty marked a major milestone, yet significant disparities in access to nutritious food persist, particularly among vulnerable groups. Meanwhile in Germany, Ernährungsarmut (food poverty) has become a pressing issue in the wake of inflation and the impacts of the war in Ukraine. These developments have underscored the importance of food assistance at both national and global levels, and have led to a renewed push to realize the right to food as outlined in the FAO Voluntary Guidelines.
Against this backdrop, the Sino-German Agricultural Centre (DCZ) hosted a DCZ TALKS event with Prof. Fan Shenggen on 14 March 2025 at its Beijing office. The hybrid event brought together participants from political foundations, NGOs, media, and research institutions, both on site and online.
Prof. Fan, a leading expert on global food policy and Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP) at China Agricultural University, provided an overview of China’s major food assistance programs and their transformation over time. He highlighted how these programs have evolved in focus, delivery mechanisms, and target groups, reflecting broader shifts in China’s socio-economic development and food security priorities.
In his presentation, Prof. Fan highlighted the shift in dietary patterns towards more Westernized and unhealthy diets in China, contributing to a rise in hidden hunger—micronutrient deficiencies despite sufficient caloric intake. He stressed that food assistance programs must prioritize nutritional quality rather than simply the provision of calories. At the same time, he called for integrating food systems thinking into these programs, with attention to the environmental impacts of food production and consumption. In this context, a return to more plant-based protein sources, such as tofu, could play a significant role in promoting both health and sustainability.
A key theme in the event was the need for behavioral change. People must be better informed about healthy eating, proper food storage, and ways to reduce waste. Information and education campaigns were identified as essential components of effective food assistance programs, contributing to long-term improvements in nutrition and food security.
Drawing on China’s experience, Prof. Fan emphasized the need for more precisely targeted interventions to reach vulnerable groups, particularly children, pregnant women, and the elderly. He also pointed to the increasing potential of digital technologies to enhance the efficiency and precision of food assistance delivery. Finally, he reflected on China’s evolving role in global food security efforts, especially within international frameworks such as the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Right to Food.
Take-aways from the talk
- Agricultural and rural reforms since the late 1970s were central to improving access to adequate and nutritious food. Food assistance can only succeed if the agricultural sector functions well.
- China’s dietary patterns have shifted over recent decades—from undernutrition to challenges like obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Food assistance programs must address this shift.
- Better targeting is essential—especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Digital tools can enhance the reach and efficiency of these programs.
- Behavioral change plays a major role. Food assistance programs must raise public awareness on healthy eating, food storage, and waste reduction.
- It’s not just about calories but healthy nutrition. A food systems approach is needed—linking food access with nutrition, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.
Downloads
Download the presentation or the full policy brief “Food Assistance Programs in China: Evolution, Impact, and Global Lesson”, authored by Fan et al.
Watch online
A recording of the event is available on our YouTube channel.
