The phrase "I am hungry" is commonly used to express the desire for food when feeling hunger. Hunger, as defined by a simple google search, relates to "A feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat." Insufficient consumption of food leads individuals to frequently experience this sensation and express dissatisfaction with their lack of sustenance. However, some individuals encounter restricted access to food sources and are unable to consistently acquire nourishment. For example, people living in poverty in the United States lack the financial means to buy food like those who have greater privilege.
The problem of hunger is a global issue, but its approach varies between countries like the United States. There are differences in how hunger is addressed in terms of economics and politics. In the United States, hunger receives sig
...nificant media coverage that highlights its nationwide prevalence. Feeding America reports that around 40 million people in the US, including over 12 million children, experience hunger. This figure represents more than 10% of the total population, considering a population of nearly 330 million people. Hence, it can be estimated that approximately 12% of the population in the United States suffers from hunger.
It has been statistically shown that 30% of children in the United States who are already suffering from hunger also experience hunger. This percentage remains consistent at 12% globally. According to Do Something, around 805 million individuals worldwide, which is equivalent to 11.3% of the global population, consume less than the recommended daily intake of 2,100 calories and face hunger. It is important to note that hunger affects nearly one billion people globally and i
not solely a problem in the United States. By examining America's situation, we can gain valuable insight into how to address and alleviate this issue.
Poverty is a significant contributor to global hunger as it limits people's capacity to buy food, even when it is available. The Great Depression serves as an example of extreme poverty affecting access to essential needs like water, electricity, and food for everyone. In her article titled "The Disappearance of Hunger in America," Patricia Ellen discusses the government's attempts to provide a thorough explanation for those living in poverty.
During the 1980s, poverty rates increased in the United States, leading to the introduction of the concept of food security by the US government. They defined it as "a state where individuals have consistent access to nutritionally adequate food through normal distribution channels." If someone lacked food security, it meant they faced challenges in obtaining food. This definition gradually shifted towards a more subtle way of referring to hunger, similar to how casualties is used by the media instead of deaths or murders. This may be an attempt to desensitize the audience towards this significant issue. Various countries, such as India, employ different approaches to tackling this problem. The involvement of collaborative partners has contributed to progress in addressing these concerns.
The collaboration between the Swaminathan Foundation, Bioversity International, and the government aims to provide farmers with a variety of nutritious crops such as millet, sorghum, maize, rice, and wheat in order to sustain them. However, poverty presents challenges in accessing healthy food options as cheaper alternatives that are detrimental to health are more easily available. In the United States, there are areas known
as food deserts where finding healthy food choices is difficult. While fast-food restaurants like McDonald's or Jack in the Box may be nearby, grocery stores are often far away. Even if there is a source of food that can alleviate hunger, it may not offer healthy options. Jennifer Wehunt's article "The Food Desert" emphasizes Gallagher's belief in the importance of access to healthy food choices due to their direct association with health issues like obesity and diabetes.
Many children in food deserts suffer from undiagnosed and untreated diabetes, according to the source. These kids face limited options due to the lack of access to nutritious food, resulting in hunger and unhealthy eating choices. Although the United States provides food stamps for assistance with obtaining food, the problem remains prevalent as poverty-stricken individuals often live far away from grocery stores. Consequently, what may be a two-mile distance for others becomes an hour-long bus ride for those living in poverty, rendering it inaccessible. As a result, fast food becomes their easiest and frequently sole option.
Education is vital for the advancement of society in the near future. By educating young people, we can enhance their understanding of global problems like starvation and hunger. It is important to acknowledge that a considerable number of individuals worldwide experience daily food scarcity. Food banks have a crucial role in helping those who lack access to food. Even a small contribution, such as donating a turkey, can provide nourishment for an entire family of eight on Thanksgiving. Additionally, people travel abroad to assist residents in nations with limited food resources.
"In the following three years, the United States exceeded the President's commitment by investing
over $3.7 billion to tackle global food security and launched the Feed the Future Initiative." (USDA) Our next step in solving hunger is to benefit everyone as a whole.
