Global finance meeting focuses on war-driven food insecurity

WASHINGTON (AP) — The growing crisis over food insecurity and skyrocketing food prices is taking center stage as members of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank prepare to meet in Washington.

The loss of commodities due to Russia’s war against Ukraine is being blamed for the food calamity.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is convening a Tuesday meeting with global leaders to “call on international financial institutions to accelerate and deepen their response” to countries affected by food issues.

Russia and Ukraine produce 14% of the world’s wheat supply.

A March U.N. food report said the global number of undernourished people could increase by 8 million to 13 million people into 2023.