Hidden Hunger Explained

Episode 64 of the The Good Sight Podcast podcast, hosted by The Good Sight Podcast, titled "Hidden Hunger Explained" was published on September 19, 2025 and runs 16 minutes.

September 19, 2025 ·16m · The Good Sight Podcast

0:00 / 0:00

Summary

We often think of hunger as empty plates or skipped meals. But there’s another kind of hunger that’s much harder to see—hidden hunger.Hidden hunger happens when people eat enough to feel full, yet their bodies are missing the essential vitamins and minerals needed for health. Its effects creep in quietly—weak immunity, stunted growth, and long-term health problems—often without people even realizing what’s happening.In this episode, we speak with Jessie Genoway, Communications Director at the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI). With a background in global health, including at the CDC, Jessie now leads advocacy and communications at FFI, a global partnership working to scale food fortification programs worldwide. She helps us understand why hidden hunger is such a pressing but invisible challenge, and what can be done about it.We explore:• What hidden hunger really is—and why it often goes unnoticed• Why it’s not just a problem in low-income countries, but a global issue• The long-term health impacts of micronutrient deficiencies• How food fortification works and why it’s one of the most powerful tools we have• Simple, practical steps families can take to safeguard their nutritionIf you have ever wondered why eating enough doesn’t always mean eating right, this conversation will open your eyes to a side of hunger we rarely talk about.About Nutrition Every Day: A special podcast series by The Good Sight and Rise Against Hunger India, bringing sharp, grounded perspectives on health and nutrition.CreditsHost: Shreya MGuest: Jessie GenowayResearch: Alisha CArtwork: Rajnikant SProduced by: The Good SightConcept: The Good Sight & Rise Against Hunger IndiaFor feedback or to participate, write to us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠#NutritionEveryDay #HiddenHunger #FoodFortification #HealthForAll #TheGoodSight #RiseAgainstHungerIndia #FFI

Episode Description

We often think of hunger as empty plates or skipped meals. But there’s another kind of hunger that’s much harder to see—hidden hunger.

Hidden hunger happens when people eat enough to feel full, yet their bodies are missing the essential vitamins and minerals needed for health. Its effects creep in quietly—weak immunity, stunted growth, and long-term health problems—often without people even realizing what’s happening.

In this episode, we speak with Jessie Genoway, Communications Director at the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI). With a background in global health, including at the CDC, Jessie now leads advocacy and communications at FFI, a global partnership working to scale food fortification programs worldwide. She helps us understand why hidden hunger is such a pressing but invisible challenge, and what can be done about it.

We explore:
• What hidden hunger really is—and why it often goes unnoticed
• Why it’s not just a problem in low-income countries, but a global issue
• The long-term health impacts of micronutrient deficiencies
• How food fortification works and why it’s one of the most powerful tools we have
• Simple, practical steps families can take to safeguard their nutrition

If you have ever wondered why eating enough doesn’t always mean eating right, this conversation will open your eyes to a side of hunger we rarely talk about.

About Nutrition Every Day: A special podcast series by The Good Sight and Rise Against Hunger India, bringing sharp, grounded perspectives on health and nutrition.

Credits
Host: Shreya M
Guest: Jessie Genoway
Research: Alisha C
Artwork: Rajnikant S
Produced by: The Good Sight
Concept: The Good Sight & Rise Against Hunger India

For feedback or to participate, write to us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

#NutritionEveryDay #HiddenHunger #FoodFortification #HealthForAll #TheGoodSight #RiseAgainstHungerIndia #FFI