Hunger & Food Security
Public health advocates, pointing to diet-related disease epidemic and record levels of food stamp use, look to skirt paternalism but to link food assistance, school meals to good nutrition. Program that doubles value of food stamps and fruit and vegetable vouchers of low-income mothers, seniors at farmers' markets in San Diego is instant hit - sales soared by more than 200 percent.
By Jane Black
The Washington Post 2008-12-24 (entry)
Barack Obama has opportunity to reposition global food crisis as critical foreign policy, and he should, since hunger is directly tied to civil unrest. Surely a world that found $1 trillion to rescue financial institutions can find $30 billion for short-term hunger needs and improvements to increase food production.
By Nancy Roman
World Food Program (UN)/Reuters AlertNet 2008-11-05 (entry)
With price of bread linked to that of petroleum, metal and other goods, and a billion people in extreme poverty, we must refine farming. Much of the world's best farmland in Russia, Ukraine, Africa produces nothing; poor infrastructure dooms 40 percent of world's food to rot. We need to invest in farming, make it globally desirable, productive, with tangible benefits.
By Doug Saunders
The Globe and Mail (Canada) 2008-10-25 (entry)
For sake of economy, national security and moral authority, U.S. must stay committed to international aid, President George Bush says. Rising food prices have added 75 million people worldwide to rolls of chronic hunger for total of 925 million, UN says. In July, Senate panel voted to scale back funding request of Bush program that rewards countries for meeting strict policy, governance criteria; group has disbursed less than 10 percent of its $6.3 billion.
By Dan Eggen and Anthony Faiola
The Washington Post 2008-10-22 (entry)
To progress on health care crisis, energy independence and climate change, new president must wean food system from fossil fuel and return it to diet of sunshine. Next, new policy must strive for healthful diet for all; improve reliance, safety and security of food supply; promote regional food economies; and reframe agriculture as part of solution to environmental problems.
By Michael Pollan
The New York Times 2008-10-12 (entry)
Expanded food stamps, extended jobless benefits and even tax rebate possible in legislation planned by Democrats after election. Barack Obama says he favors $25 billion for states, $25 billion for roads, bridges and infrastructure, and $65 billion for tax rebates paid for with oil profits tax.
By David Espo
The Associated Press; Newsday 2008-10-11 (entry)
Listless babies, wizened one-year-olds, two-year-olds with no food for two weeks are among the millions dying from hunger in Somalia in 'forgotten crisis.' Recently, thousands of desperately hungry besieged 35-truck UN convoy in Mogadishu, taking two million pounds of food. Unending war, drought, global food supply squeeze, unemployment, inflation all to blame.
By Jeffrey Gettleman
The New York Times 2008-10-11 (entry)
If Congress can conjure up vast sums for Wall Street bailout, why, when we speak urgently of a fraying social net, of charities reeling and empty food pantries, of tens of millions of Americans (the types who clean the likes of AIG and Freddie Mac at night) without food and shelter, is there not a penny available? Our nation's priorities are in the wrong place.
By Joel Berg
The Washington Post 2008-09-28 (entry)
New program will use $76 million in foundation money to develop better ways for local farmers to supply UN's World Food Program with their products. Lack of agricultural infrastructure - irrigation, mechanization, roads, quality control - could hamper goals. American food-aid policy supplies only American-grown food. UN says hungry total nearly 1 billion.
By Robert A. Guth and Roger Thurow
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-25 (entry)
Storm damage 'washes away' efforts to restore agricultural production in Haiti and to break its dependence on imported food, UN official says. And: As soil goes, so goes the nation (click 'See also'). To boost Haitian food production, ecologist founds nonprofit that builds composting toilets in rural communities to add organic matter and fertility to fields.
By John Heilprin
The Associated Press; The Press (Atlantic City, NJ) 2008-09-05 (entry)
See also
From high-tech, expensive Italian efforts to digging a hole and filling it with manure, efforts to restore soil are widespread - and working. Payoff fights hunger, attacks water scarcity and could reduce global warming (click 'See also'). Restoring soil is solution to political stability, environmental quality. Political, economic institutions treat soil like dirt.
By Charles C. Mann
National Geographic Magazine 2008-09-01 (entry)
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Food crisis did not come without warning. It's unacceptable morally and unsustainable politically, economically. The U.S. must reinvest in agriculture development, organize institutions to address food challenge, re-examine food policies and consider global compact that eliminates food tariffs for poorest.
By Joe Biden
The Miami Herald; biden.senate.gov 2008-05-23 (entry)
It's time to apply lessons from energy sector to food policies and create an OPEC-like group for grain. As biofuels cropland demand increases and climate change alters global harvests, Organization of Grain Exporting Countries could regulate grain stocks - and institutionalize food as a human right. And: Russia plans to form state grain trading company (click 'See also').
By Mike Stones
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2008-08-11 (entry)
See also
Congress must write stimulus plan with more spending for food stamps and more direct aid to states and local governments. Food aid helps most vulnerable Americans; food stamps are spent quickly and in full. Direct aid to states and localities reaches Medicaid recipients and others, and extra money is passed on.
The editors
The New York Times 2008-07-27 (entry)
From our efficient, automated food stamp program, we have learned that current benefits run out the third week of every month. Price tag of hunger to American society is about $90 billion a year; ending hunger in U.S. would cost $10-12 billion a year. What added moral hazard could a full month of eating create?
By Michael Gerson
The Washington Post 2008-07-09 (entry)
In fighting hunger, basic crop research pays. The U.S. needs a substantial, renewed commitment to CGIAR, the consortium of internationally funded and staffed crop-research centers around the world. And: America must rebuild, not destroy collaborative research, says father of first 'Green Revolution' (click 'See also').
The editors
The Washington Post 2008-07-09 (entry)
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World's leaders feast on multi-course meal after discussions of food price crisis. Sixty chefs were flown in for the occasion, including Michelin-starred Katsuhiro Nakamura. Twenty thousand special police officers provided security; total cost of Hokkaido event was enough to buy 100 million mosquito nets.
By Andrew Grice
The Independent (UK) 2008-07-08 (entry)
In challenge to genetic engineering and old customs, Cornell scientist doubles rice harvests by planting early, giving seedlings more room to grow and calling halt to flooding fields. Critics complain that method increases drudgery of farming and yields are exaggerated, yet agree to field trials for determination.
By William J. Broad
The New York Times 2008-06-17 (entry)
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Barack Obama, in Father's Day address, builds on message of responsibility for education and nutrition of children, particularly for low-income African American families. Earlier in year, he lectured parents about feeding their children "cold Popeyes" for breakfast, allowing children eight sodas a day, or sending only a bag of potato chips for lunch.
By Julie Bosman
The New York Times 2008-06-16 (entry)
Feeding the hungry with subsidized American corn shipped in American ships may not be best answer. Despite woes, world has never come close to outpacing its ability to produce food. But success depends on portion control, since most grain grown is eaten by livestock, which in turn is eaten by the affluent and also is craved by growing middle class in China and India.
By Donald G. McNeil Jr.
The New York Times 2008-06-15 (entry)
In world of growing hunger, with its links to alienation and terrorism, there's no justification for fat subsidies that nations provide their farmers no matter how high prices go. Subsidies have depressed food prices for years and discouraged investment in agriculture across much of the developing world.
The editors
The New York Times 2008-06-09 (entry)
Food crisis summit declaration seeks 'urgent and coordinated action' but sidesteps U.S.-promoted biofuels and biotechnology. Argentina, Cuba and other Latin American countries wanted document to contain criticism of wealthy nations for farm subsidies and biofuels. Some delegates were skeptical that three days of news conferences and nearly nonstop speeches could lead to true change.
By Andrew Martin
The New York Times 2008-06-06 (entry)
Food crisis summit delegates pledge $1 billion-plus in emergency funds. They also will help small farmers with purchase of fertilizers, seeds, and farm equipment to meet goal of increasing worldwide food production by 50 percent by 2030. Left hanging: impact of biofuels on food prices, lifting trade barriers, farm subsidies.
By Alessio Vinci
CNN 2008-06-05 (entry)
As hunger breeds political turmoil, UN food crisis panel urges elimination of trade barriers, expansion of biotechnology research and $20 billion to $30 billion yearly investment in food production. Distractions at Rome meeting include Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, who blamed Britain for his country's woes, as well as discord over biofuels policy of U.S. and E.U.
By Tracy Wilkinson
Los Angeles Times 2008-06-04 (entry)
Every second, a child dies of hunger, Nigerian minister of agriculture says, pleading at UN food crisis summit for help in revolutionizing farming in Africa and developing world. Petition signed by more than 300,000 delivered to UN head says: 'We commit to eliminating hunger and to securing food for all.' Former UN leader leads new drive to create 'green revolution' in Africa. And: Norman Borlaug led first 'green revolution' (click 'See also').
By Stephen Brown and Robin Pomeroy
Reuters 2008-06-04 (entry)
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As food crisis deepens and climate change threatens, top scientists in U.S. decry diminished role of science, shortage of federal funding for research and influence of politics on subject. One scientist at recent science summit says that 'persistent misperceptions' about genetically modified foods have led to their underuse or prohibition in needy countries.
By Keith B. Richburg
The Washington Post 2008-05-28 (entry)
As world grows hungrier, the Conservation Reserve Program, the ethanol mandate and the ban on drilling in the Arctic Natural Wildlife Refuge increasingly are out of step. Arable land is an economic and humanitarian resource. President Bush should tell USDA to set aside the "set asides" and let America's farmers make hay while the sun is shining.
By Ashby M. Foote III
The Clarion-Ledger (MS) 2008-05-25 (entry)
Poorest farmers, families in Myanmar/Burma's Irrawaddy Delta abandon ruined rented rice fields to line roads in hopes of aid. At another site, village was given only four tents that house 20 people each with rice going to tent residents, causing strife between those in tents, and those out. Donors promise more than $150 million in aid.
The New York Times 2008-05-26 (entry)
When hunger drives people into conflict, mere food aid tends to fuel fighting, as combatants seek to harness it for goals of war. Immediate challenge is for international community to swiftly respond to widespread outbreaks of violence. Peacemakers must incorporate remedies to socioeconomic roots of conflict.
By Michael Vatikiotis
Bangkok Post 2008-05-26 (entry)
Vowing to protect poor from high prices caused by faraway troubles, Mexican president cuts import taxes on wheat, corn, rice, beans, powdered milk, sorghum, soy pasta and nitrogen fertilizer. He also promises new irrigation systems and fertilizer loans. Critics blame NAFTA, not global factors, and say national producers will be harmed.
The Associated Press; International Herald-Tribune 2008-05-26 (entry)
Food price crisis joins drought, high fuel and fertilizer costs, dying livestock, civil war, displacement and imperiled aid operations to kill hundreds from hunger and thirst and to tip Somalia toward famine. Complicating matters are U.S. airstrikes against suspected terrorists in drought zone. In Ogaden, government uses food as weapon in attempt to starve out rebels. For information on how to help, click '(entry)' below.
By Jeffrey Gettleman
The New York Times 2008-05-17 (entry)
Solving food price crisis means linking developed and developing worlds. Relief officials call for emergency aid and for policy change. Among ideas: Back off on biofuels, improve food aid, produce higher yields, grow better crops, curb the speculators, remove trade barriers, eat less meat, reduce waste of food and resources.
By Marianne Lavelle and Kent Garber
U.S. News & World Report 2008-05-09 (entry)
As famine looms in North Korea, U.S. agrees to resume food aid shipments. Americans gave food aid to North Korea from 1995 to 2005, but stopped after UN's World Food Program representatives were expelled. Ten years ago, about one million North Koreans died of starvation. White House says aid isn't related to nuclear disarmament negotiations.
BBC News 2008-05-16 (entry)
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Citing U.S. response to global food crisis as 'belated and disjointed,' lawmakers show dismay, frustration and confusion as they consider integrating their thinking on food policy, agriculture, foreign aid, trade and energy into their approach to global hunger and alleviation of poverty.
By Kent Garber
U.S. News & World Report 2008-05-14 (entry)
Getting food, water, shelter to victims in Myanmar/Burma is race against time, and there are dozens of other impoverished nations affected by global food crisis, foreign aid official tells Senate panel. Critics call Bush administration's $350 million proposed response inadequate, and compare it to higher cost of Iraq war.
By David Welna
National Public Radio 2008-05-15 (entry)
Food crisis will increase rates of diet-related disease because high-fat, highly sweetened food products are federally subsidized and readily available. Poor women are 50 percent more likely to be obese. Poor, hungry people aren't thinking about their health, 'just filling their stomachs...getting through the day,' says researcher.
By Alfred Lubrano
The Philadelphia Inquirer 2008-05-06 (entry)
Discouraging grain exports shrinks supplies and raises prices. US should encourage other countries blocking aid shipments to follow India's laudable example, which allows UN to buy and ship rice as a humanitarian exception to that country's ban. India is also considering easing its policy more generally.
The editors
The Washington Post 2008-05-12 (entry)
America can better help its farmers and citizens plus needy overseas if it stops treating food aid as farmer welfare and seeks framework that addresses: laws that forbid U.S. food-aid purchases overseas; promoting sale of surplus crops, rather than their storage as emergency stocks; and the effect of corn-ethanol subsidies on food scarcity.
The editors
The Plain Dealer (OH) 2008-05-04 (entry)
It's time to end subsidies for transforming corn into ethanol, and it's time to untangle international food aid from domestic farm supports. President Bush is right to bolster food assistance and to insist on local purchase of emergency food. We must provide help in developing agricultural markets and in boosting yields with new technologies and seeds.
The editors
The New York Times 2008-05-06 (entry)
Citing role of ethanol in rising food prices, candidate John McCain joins 23 Republicans in asking to waive high production mandate. 'We need to put an end to flawed government policies that distort the markets, raise food prices artificially, and pit producers against consumers,' says candidate. Contender Barack Obama of Illinois has defended ethanol.
By Elana Schor
The Guardian (UK) 2008-05-05 (entry)
U.S. must invest appropriately in farmers at home and in agricultural development in the developing world, and open world markets to more liberalized food trade to create stable and affordable food supply and stable income for farmers around the world. Congress must replenish wheat stocks, OK crisis food aid and 'buy local' pilot plan, and strive for greener biofuels.
By Jake Caldwell
The Washington Post 2008-04-30 (entry)
President Bush wants to tack $770 million in new global food and development aid onto Iraq war funding bill. Funds would include $150 million for agricultural development plus direct food assistance. Administration also wants $350 million in additional food aid for current year and released $200 million of emergency wheat reserves last month.
By Dan Eggen
The Washington Post 2008-05-01 (entry)
As relief groups call for $755 million in fresh emergency food assistance, dire hunger shows failure of globalization without free trade. In Muritania, country produces only 30 percent of what its people eat; abandoned fields grow weeds. Thirty percent of budget comes from selling factory fishing licenses, mostly to Europeans, and fish from rich waters goes to high-bidding exporters.'They leave us with sardines as they eat juicy fish,' says resident. 'We stand no chance against the hunger of richer countries.'
By Anthony Faiola
The Washington Post 2008-04-28 (entry)
As food prices rise, wheat rust spores blow in the wind and threaten a crop that provides 20 percent of the food calories for the world's people. We all lose if U.S. ends support for international agricultural research centers that study this and other problems. It is tantamount to the United States abandoning its pledge to help halve world hunger by 2015.
By Norman E. Borlaug
The New York Times 2008-04-26 (entry)
Britain pledges $900 million to UN World Food Program, vows to seek changes in European Union biofuels targets if food prices-fuel crops link is shown. Hunger threatens more than 100 million people on every continent, UN says. Echoing statements from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank urges countries to help poor buy food instead of resorting to export curbs, which is hoarding on a national scale.
By Jeremy Lovell
Reuters 2008-04-22 (entry)
United States must help World Food Program fill a $500 million gap in its budget; Congress should OK local purchase of emergency aid; U.S., multilateral institutions must support farming in the developing world to lessen their dependence on imports. This will be simpler if U.S., Europe dismantle market-distorting crop subsidies and trade barriers.
The editors
The Washington Post 2008-04-19 (entry)
Anger over children's empty bellies gathers, putting pressures on fragile governments. In Haiti, there's a brisk business in patties made of mud, oil and sugar; a mom of five offers any of her children to a stranger, just asking that they be fed. 'People are going to do no matter what to survive,' said UN expert. 'And if you're hungry you get angry quicker.' For other famine-fighting techniques of poor, click 'See also.'
By Marc Lacey
The New York Times 2008-04-18 (entry)
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We worry that too few thoughtful people are steering the food-ethanol debate, especially on the misguided farm/food bill. Corn-powered ethanol puts your gas tank in competition with your kids' bellies. The more U.S. acreage pushed into producing corn for ethanol, the higher prices go, because that land isn't available for other crops. Neither is the water - corn is thirsty and sucks down the Panhandle's aquifer.
The editors
The Dallas Morning News 2008-04-17 (entry)
President Bush orders $200 million drawn from food reserve for Africa and elsewhere and looks to other nations to help meet the $500 million shortfall at UN World Food Program. In U.S., poor families are feeling the pinch; candidates beginning to cite cost of food in speeches.
CNN 2008-04-15 (entry)
President Bush is concerned about food prices, shortages and believes developed nations have a responsibility to help, aides say. One proposal: increasing the nation's 'buy local' program, for international food aid. Haiti ousts its prime minister after food-related rioting kills five people. Food protests also occurred in Cameroon, Niger and Burkina Faso in Africa, and in Indonesia and the Philippines.
By Matt Spetalnick and Patrick Worsnip
Reuters 2008-04-14 (entry)
Ever-rising prices for corn-based livestock feed erode power of food stamps and cash; number seeking food at pantries and kitchens shot up an average of 20 percent in 2007. Food pantries are facing the same inflation, as well as declining donations. Food prices are forecast to rise 7.5 percent annually in each of next five years, says food bank oversight group.
By Tim Jones and Mary Ann Fergus
Chicago Tribune 2008-04-08 (entry)
Food, energy prices affecting our most vulnerable children; increase seen in anemic and underweight babies in cities, indicating later limits on their educational achievement and impaired ability to work. Food stamps won't pay for a healthy diet. Policies that help low-income children succeed belong on all candidates' agendas.
By Mariana Chilton and John Cook
The Inquirer (PA) 2008-04-01 (entry)
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Feeding the hungry is priority in food crisis, but cheap food may be gone. Problem was caused by long-term trends, bad luck and bad policy. Iraq war has reduced oil supplies. China is hungry for meat, which requires more grain. Australian drought is likely linked to climate change inaction. Biofuels craze is speeding deforestation and taking food acreage.
By Paul Krugman
The New York Times 2008-04-07 (entry)
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Food riots and protests pressure governments to bring food prices down, but starving the neighbors by restricting food exports isn't the best solution. Restrictions demotivate farmers, pushing them into growing the wrong crops and jeopardizing future access to markets. And restrictions on supply encourage hoarding, which pushes prices up even more.
The Economist 2008-03-27 (entry)
Iraq war has diminished support for feeding chronically hungry schoolchildren, just as food prices have shot up, says George McGovern, former senator and co-sponsor of the McGovern-Dole program (click 'See also'). The program, which sends U.S. crops to poor schoolchildren overseas, claims success in increasing school enrollment and attendance in countries from Afghanistan to Laos.
By Missy Ryan
Reuters 2008-03-25 (entry)
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Skyrocketing food and fuel prices leave $650 million gap for feeding world's poorest people; World Food Program, after warning of shortage since February, urgently appeals for money from donor nations. The WFP feeds at least 73 million people in nearly 80 nations with an annual operating budget of $2.9 billion; it initiated a successful 'buy local' program to cut costs.
By Tracy Wilkinson
Los Angeles Times 2008-03-25 (entry)
In Zimbabwe, once 'breadbasket of Africa,' half its residents are malnourished and the price of a loaf of bread costs what a house did just a few years ago; policies of President Robert Mugabe are to blame. Party infighting and upcoming elections could bring change, but fair elections would be required. South Africa and neighbors should pressure him for a fair contest.
The editors
The Washington Post 2008-03-12 (entry)
U.S. policy must adjust for higher food prices. Congress must dramatically improve efficiency of emergency food aid programs. First step: Approve president's proposal to permit government to buy locally - say, South African or Ethiopian wheat for the hungry elsewhere in Africa. European Union and Canada have recently approved similar purchases.
The editors
The Washington Post 2008-03-14 (entry)
As food shortages stunt growth of North Korean children, country's struggle with hunger still sharpened by reaction to nuclear device detonation in 2006. Donations under a World Food Program project declined by more than 80 percent between 2005 and 2007, and U.S. donations fell to zero. South Korea wants to know donations would go to poor people, not military.
By Blaine Harden
The Washington Post 2008-03-15 (entry)
Donated food aid rots in Haitian port after government cracks down on corruption that allowed Colombian cocaine a clear path to U.S. Haiti imports about 75 percent of its food; in 2002, UN found almost half the population was undernourished. Hand-written customs system is overwhelmed, bribes continue, 200 shipping containers await inspection and Miami shipping companies lay off stevedores.
By Jonathan M. Katz and Jennifer Kay
The Associated Press; WTOP 2008-03-06 (entry)
As elections approach, conservatives in Spain use skyrocketing food prices as wedge against economic record of Zapatero government. Administration estimates 24 percent rise in milk prices and 16 percent hike in prices for chicken, with inflation at 4.4 percent. Without sufficient pasture or croplands, Spain depends heavily on grain imports.
By Martin Roberts
Reuters 2008-03-06 (entry)
Skyrocketing food prices, inflation at around 20 percent and going to bed hungry are prime concerns for Iranians as elections approach. At issue is president's handling of $280 billion economy. Two-week celebration of Iranian New Year begins on March 12; beef prices are up, but confection prices won't be raised (click 'See also').
By Fredrik Dahl
Reuters 2008-03-06 (entry)
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Hillary Clinton says her administration would create a food safety net and give poor children 'greater access to healthy, fresh food.' She would launch effort to get junk food out of schools, and require schools to offer only food that meets or exceeds USDA standards. She would sign up more people for food stamps and expand benefits. The program would be paid for by toughening tax enforcement.
By Mike Glover
The Associated Press; The Guardian (UK) 2008-02-28 (entry)
As Mississippi legislators consider a bill that bans obese customers from eating in restaurants, restaurateur and writer predicts he and other fat people will scout out the non-weighing restaurants (likely all-you-can-eat buffets), which would give those spots an unfair competitive advantage. But he does want a quota on green-bean casseroles for covered-dish suppers.
By Robert St. John
The Meridian Star 2008-02-06 (entry)
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After rising by one-third in past year, food-price index is at its highest since it began in 1845. High prices offer an opportunity to break a cycle of crop subsidies without income loss. Doing so would help taxpayers, revive the stalled Doha round of world trade talks, boost the world economy, and directly help many of the world's poor.
The editors
The Economist 0000-00-00 (entry)
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Food pantries in Chicago and other cities across the country struggle to serve working poor during peak season as fuel and food costs rise. Federal assistance has diminished because there are fewer surplus commodities for USDA to buy, then distribute.
By Lisa Black and Kathryn Masterson
Chicago Tribune 2007-11-22 (entry)
Citing moral need to feed the hungry, candidate John Edwards advocates implementing farm/food bill for its food stamp program and emergency food aid, expanding the food stamp program, funding school food programs and those for seniors, and luring supermarkets into neighborhoods without them.
By Jennifer Hunter
The Associated Press 2007-11-22 (entry)
Presidential candidates lured to food pantries, soup kitchens and other charitable organizations as country's biggest food holiday approaches. Some will gather at home; others gather their families on the campaign trail.
By Ann Sanner
The Associated Press 2007-11-20 (entry)
Reacting to shortages, Venezuelans line up to buy subsidized milk, chicken, eggs, sugar, cooking oil and baby formula, though store racks are full of imported luxury foods. Economists blame surge in demand, but politicos wonder whether shopkeepers are controlling supply to create discord among supporters of President Hugo Chavez.
By Ian James
The Associated Press 2007-11-20 (entry)
Food aid, a key provision of the farm/food bill, saves lives in natural disasters and emergencies, but it also addresses chronic hunger and fosters long-term development overseas and needs half the funds reserved for those projects, say Catholic archbishop and bishop.
By Wilton D. Gregory and J. Kevin Boland
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2007-11-02 (entry)
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Inadequate food supply pushes some African women to engage in high-risk sex, a university study found. When struggling to feed their households, women in Botswana and Swaziland were more likely to sell sex, suggesting that promoting access to food may reduce AIDS.
By Josh Eveleth
Public Library of Science 2007-10-22 (entry)
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Poverty will compromise adequate nutrition in case of flu pandemic in Kansas City, report says; many citizens can afford only three-day stockpile of food rather than recommended two-week supply, and if schools close, poor children would be deprived of their only hot meal of the day.
By Dave Helling
The Kansas City Star 2007-10-24 (entry)
Diary of starving man casts unwelcome light on harshness of Japan's policy on level welfare rates; recipients are expected to depend on relatives and use all savings before taking "shameful handout."
By Norimitsu Onishi
The New York Times 2007-10-12 (entry)
Inspired by environmental justice and groups that feed the homeless with surplus food, freegans in New York eschew capitalism and scavenge for groceries in the 50 million pounds of food garbage discarded annually; they favor D'Agostino's, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
By Erika Hayasaki
Los Angeles Times 2007-09-11 (entry)
As farmers eagerly switch from food crops to those for biofuels, ecological and social factors led by high food prices, meat-rich diets, dropping water supplies, climate change and the growing population threaten vast numbers of people with food and water shortages.
By John Vidal
The Guardian (UK) 2007-08-29 (entry)
Near the site of a murder that ripped a North Carolina town apart, the Anathoth Community Garden now grows, the gift of a black woman to a white church, and now the working poor find food at their door, and the town is finding a new peace.
By Fred Bahnson
Orion Magazine 2007-07-01 (entry)
Program that last year brought 35,000 pounds of hunter-donated venison to low-income clients of southern Wisconsin food pantry endangered by budget cuts; testing the deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) reduced by 60 percent; experts predict explosion in deer population.
By Christina Beam
Reedsburg Times Press (WI) 0000-00-00 (entry)
Vietnamese-American watches his former country's leader and listens to the demonstrators chanting for democracy, but to him, the first problem is the hunger of the begging children, and the desperate circumstances that cause a parent to abandon a child.
By Tam Pham
Asia Times 2007-08-16 (entry)
CARE turns down $45 million in food aid from U.S., citing practice of selling tons of often heavily subsidized American farm products in African countries that compete with the crops of local farmers; other charities disagree.
By Celia W. Dugger
The New York Times (may require subscription) (entry)
Government's subsidies to the very rich need to be addressed, but Congress should follow lead of the House in tending to nutrition needs of very poor around the world via the Food for Education program in the farm/food bill.
The editors
The Daily News Tribune (MA) 2007-08-28 (entry)
Overfishing, poaching and pollution have depleted worldwide fish stocks to 10 percent of normal; for every pound of shrimp harvested, 10 pounds are discarded, along with turtles and dolphins, conservationists report.
By Eviana Hartman
Washington Post (entry)
See also
Ethanol craze blamed for high prices across the supermarket, but other factors include surge in global food demand, high oil prices, uncooperative weather, and the slide of the dollar against other world currencies.
By Barrett Sheridan
Newsweek magazine (entry)
Bush administration's buy-local request for emergency food aid could help Kenyans, some of the world's poorest people, advocates say, but U.S. is mired in domestic farm subsidies and lobbies of shipping interests; aid for agricultural projects lags as well.
By Celia W. Dugger
The New York times (may require subscription) (entry)
