World Hunger

Wendy Martinez

Many if not most of us take food for granted. We consume every meal without a second thought, often ignoring how lucky we are. Going to the grocery store or a restaurant is filled with choices, but the horrifying truth is that millions of people around the world starve every year. According to the organization Action Against Hunger, this number is around 811 million. This means that 811 million people do not have access to at least 1,800 calories each and every day.

With this vast amount of people dying every year of starvation or hunger-related diseases, the question remains: what is the cause of world hunger? This question does not have a simple or easy answer. There are many contributing factors to world hunger including natural disasters, climate change, job instability, and so many more, but the root cause is poverty. Poverty is the principal cause of world hunger because people who live in poverty simply cannot afford to buy food, obtain a job, or have access to nutritious food. This is not something that is specific to a particular region, race, gender, or continent. Sadly, this is a fact of life across the entire world.

Hunger affects all countries, not just those that are undeveloped. In fact, the United States is one of the highest food-producing countries and even so, 11% of the US population does not have enough to eat or suffers from food insecurity. Food insecurity means that one does not have access to enough safe and nutritious food to sustain their day-to-day. Food and calories are the fuel that gives the body rough energy to perform and adequately function. Just as your car runs on gas and/or electricity, your body runs on food.

The effects of world hunger are disastrous; many people are malnourished and underweight. Children become at risk for chronic illnesses that are easily treatable like anemia. As a result, many unfortunately die. This is a repeating cycle in today’s society that millions worldwide face daily. There is no easy solution or quick fix to this problem. Rather, this is a lasting problem that affects all those around you.

Locally, you may have noticed that there are little food pantries set up around the village where one is able to both leave or take food as is needed. There are also a number of local food pantries that seek to help those suffering from food insecurity. A list of local food pantries that you can donate to can be found at https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ny-greenport.