World hunger at all time high

As reported by the Food and Agricultural Organization, for the first time in history, world hunger has exceeded one billion.

Of that one billion, there are 49 million Americans suffering from hunger and malnutrition - a number that has doubled during the last decade - and increased by 13 million in the last year.

Following the tragic events of the January earthquake in Haiti, $7.5 billion are now needed to eradicate this problem. The World Food Programme has been the largest food supplier to Haitian survivors and thus far, have reached one of the two million in need.

The WFP's Initiative, A Billion for a Billion, argues that the amount of hunger worldwide can be nearly eliminated through individual contributions.

If each person online donates just $1 per week for one year, the problem can be solved.

That's giving up just 52 sodas, 10 fast food meals or one pair of shoes for one year.

By targeting individuals to solve the short-term problem of feeding the hungry now, governments can focus on creating a more permanent solution, such as improving agricultural infrastructure.

Of each contribution, 93 percent will be spent directly on the food to feed those in need. The remaining seven percent will be spent on overheads for the organization.