This is the time of year that the true reality of the economic crisis comes front and center. With the holidays fast approaching, the gloomy news strikes a negative chord with the recent release from the USDA about the number of people, 50 million, who do not have enough food to fill the family table.
We can work in soup kitchens and we can deliver food to shelters and support food banks, but the problem is so much more pervasive than an occasional boost from private citizens. In this vast country, the news that so many go hungry should ignite the discussions into actions to solve this growing problem.
There are a few glimmers from private corporations and foundations ready to step in and help work toward ending hunger in this country.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has taken a decisive approach, one that other companies and foundations might consider emulating. The beneficiaries from $32.5 million (“Food & Community”) will be used for food-related work in nine communities. The goals are to help these communities transform school food systems, improve community food environments, promote active living and routine physical activity, and sustain and expand the movement for healthful food.
One of the recipients from such a far-reaching program is the local farmers in western Massachusetts. The schools will be purchasing foods directly from the farmers. Students will get fresh, local foods and, in turn, learn about where their food comes from.
Hopefully, the Foundation has set a standard that others can emulate. Share Our Strength has made the elimination of childhood hunger its most important mandate. The number of children (over 17% of all children last year) were without enough food. Staggering statistics.
The sheer numbers of those who go hungry are frightening. This dire need must be addressed at the government and corporate level. As individuals we can help, but the problem has escalated beyond a simple one-tier solution.
This is America, the land of opportunity. We cannot continue a negative slide backwards to the hunger lines from the 20′s. Food banks feel the pain.
What happened?
