Silent tsunami of hunger

If you've been to the grocery store lately, you know that the cost of groceries is on the rise. The thing is, Americans have been very focused on the price of gas to fill our cars but we tend to grab off the store shelves what we want/need without thinking about the price too much. After all, we've grown up in an era of prosperity. Well, we're thinking about it now, especially those on fixed incomes. And we're thinking about what is happening around the world because we are no longer isolated and economically strong.

If you're a believer, remember that we were born for such a time as this. God has a plan. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His heart is for restoration, reconciliation, redemption. We can make a difference in the crises the world is facing: Corrupt and immoral leadership/government; poor health and disease; environmental decline; world hunger; human injustice (human trafficking); illiteracy; confusion and spiritual deadness. My church, through what is being called Isaiah 61 ministries, is dedicated to reaching out and making a difference in these seven identified world crises. God is calling His people to action.

Here is a good article from USA Today that is worth reading:

'Silent tsunami' of hunger washes over poor nations

Since the 1970s, aside from isolated famines caused by social upheaval, world hunger has been on the decline. Undernourishment in the developing world dropped from 37% of the population in 1969-71 to 17% in 2002-04, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Improved agricultural techniques, smart planning and global trade all played a role in this success. In fact, too much food was produced in some places, including the USA, and more farmers were paid not to produce food.

But suddenly, hunger is again plaguing the planet, threatening human beings and political stability. The crisis, stoked by soaring commodity prices, is hitting the world unevenly.

In the USA, rising costs for staples such as white bread (up 16.3% in the past year), milk (up 13.3%), eggs (34.8%) and bananas (17%) are causing hardship for lower-income Americans.

Read the remainder of the article here.

-rlh-

Comments

[Patricia]

As a farmer's wife, I can say that the cost of raising crops and cattle have risen a lot also. You wouldn't believe the price of fertilizer and seed, etc for one crop - let alone the price of diesel for the combines and the tractors. We are having to buy crop insurance this year because losing a crop anymore is a hugh financial risk.

Just another side of the story. Believe me, I understand pinching pennies at the grocery store too!