MANILA, Philippines – Anyone can now take part in reducing world hunger in a matter of minutes.

World Food Programme’s Test Your Hunger IQ – Feed a Child is an online quiz consisting of 5 questions about the problem of hunger in the world.

Through an anonymous donor, anyone with an Internet connection can help fill empty stomachs.

Each completed set, regardless of the score, will provide a warm and healthy meal to a hungry child in countries covered by the humanitarian organization, including the Philippines.

The quiz also aims to raise awareness about the state of hunger worldwide. Facts about the hunger stituation are shown after each question, leading to a more aware netizen.

Hungry children

Globally, there are 66 million children who are hungry.

Hunger among children impairs their physical, mental, and cognitive development, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

These primary aged children often attend classes without adequate nutrition. Others drop out of school to work with their parents just to bring food to the dining table.

The WFP estimated that US$3.2 billion is needed annually to feed all the children suffering from hunger. $50 can already secure for a child a year’s worth of nutritious food. 

Department of Education (DepEd) figures in 2013 show that 534,054 Filipino schoolchildren are too thin for their height. This means that these children, with their weak immune system, are vulnerable to diseases. The Philippines also ranks 5th in the world with the most school dropouts. (READ: Learning on an empty stomach)

Stepping stone

An online quiz that will help someone in need will definitely stand out on social media. A few clicks and a netizen can indirectly help feed a child in need. 

The questions are not difficult and do not require intensive knowledge of the subject matter. It would help, though, if the quiz taker orients himself using various data on the website. 

Aside from that, the quiz can also be repeated numerous times. This results in more meals being donated to children suffering from malnutrition.

Involving oneself in this advocacy against hunger need not be limited online, but it is a good start. (READ: Social media against hunger) 

With the convenience afforded by laptops and mobile gadgets, one can help brighten a hungry child’s future. – Rappler.com

Do you know of other initiatives against hunger? E-mail us at move.ph@rappler.com. Send us your stories, ideas, video and research materials, infographic, and anything else you’d like to share.

We encourage filmmakers, artists, mappers, writers, researchers, and advocates to come together to raise more awareness and inspire collective action towards beating hunger. Be part of the solution, be part of the #HungerProject.