Academic

Food for Thought

By Tim Zinnecker

How many people in the world go hungry every day?

a) 500 million
b) 700 million
c) 900 million

The correct answer is "none of the above." 

The actual number now exceeds one billion people, according to the U.N. World Food Program.  Story here.

Rarely do I leave our kitchen table hungry.  There's always some food remaining, more can be prepared rather quickly, I can wait only a few hours for the next meal, or I can grab a snack out of the pantry.  When was the last time I ate at a restaurant and didn't leave something on my plate (or request a "to go" box)?  And don't bother asking if I've completely missed or skipped a meal in recent months. 

Yes, I have access to plenty of food.

So I have difficulty comprehending the magnitude of this statistic.  One in every six or seven people goes hungry.  Every day.

Given the downturn in the economy and the normal increases in food prices, I'm guessing that relief agencies are confronting budget shortfalls and being forced to make difficult decisions concerning limited resources.  I'm proud that the United States is the world's largest food aid donor.  But I need to do my part, too.  I can make a donation to a relief organization.  I can purchase one of those bags of food, prepared for this very purpose, available at my local grocery store.   I can organize or contribute to a canned food drive through my church, school, or other organization.  I can make a difference.  And this week, I'll try.

Will you join me?

Pictured:  Norman Rockwell's "Freedom From Want" (The Saturday Evening Post, March 6, 1943).

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on August 02, 2009 (boomark / email).