The rapid rise in food prices has been a burden on the poor in developing countries, who spend roughly half of their household incomes on food. Soaring prices for staples such as rice, maize, and wheat have been compounded by rising prices at the gas pumps—leading to requests for emergency food aid in many countries around the world. “How we respond to this double jeopardy of soaring food and fuel prices is a test of the global system’s commitment to help the most vulnerable,” said World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick, speaking on the sidelines of the recent G8 Summit in Japan. “It is a test we cannot afford to fail.”
What causes hunger in Third World countries? How does growing food for export affect the prospects of rural people? The following is excerpted from a paper by Institute for Food and Development Policy staff. Read More...
he world will need more than divine intervention to end the food crisis that has ripped across the planet during the past few months. Prices for almost every staple food — rice, wheat, maize, sugar, milk — are soaring at rates of inflation not seen on such a global scale in a generation, resulting in hoarding, widespread food shortages and fears of outright famine in the world's poorest countries. Rice prices have nearly tripled since January, reaching $1,000 per metric ton last month in India. Wheat has doubled in price in a year and jumped 25% in just one day in February. Reeling from sticker shock, tens of thousands of people have stormed the streets in protest across the Caribbean, Africa and South Asia, demanding that their governments offer relief. They have found bloodshed instead. More than 24 people were killed in Cameroon during food riots in February; five more died in Haiti in March, and two more were killed in protests in Somalia last month Read More...
It would be difficult not to be aware that our children’s diets are a serious cause for concern, given the recent publicity through the media. There have been a number of reports highlighting the unhealthy state of children’s diets and the media can be congratulated for taking the issue seriously and helping to raise awareness across the nation. National surveys have highlighted the problem of children’s food and exercise patterns. Read More...
Second Harvest marks the third annual National Hunger Awareness Day on Thursday, June 3, with a truck convoy followed by an open house at Second Harvest's warehouse, 1234 E. Front Avenue, Spokane. Promoting the theme, One Big Table, the convoy of trucks representing a variety of Second Harvest's most frequent food donors, and other activities will focus attention on childhood hunger in the Spokane area. At approximately 9:30 am. a proclamation from Spokane Mayor Jim West will kick-off activities at Second Harvest. This year's Hunger Awareness Day theme, "One Big Table," acknowledges the need to create a place for even the poorest families at the community "table."
Q-6 Television, longtime supporter of Second Harvest and other public service programs in the community, was distinguished as Volunteer of the Year in the business and industry category. The winter months and the holiday season pose serious challenges for our neighbors in need. From higher utility bills to trying to shop for holiday meals and gifts, it�s not an easy time for struggling families who want to make the holidays bright for their children. Twelve years ago, Q-6 Television began a tradition that has grown into one of Second Harvest�s biggest food drives of the year and certainly provides the major influx of winter donations. Aware of the great need Second Harvest experiences during the winter months, Q6 uses its media presence to its advantage to get the community on board and make a difference through its �Success by 6� Food Drive, now an annual December event.�From about 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. one Saturday in early December, more than 100 Q6 staff and hundreds of volunteers are stationed at Spokane-area grocery stores to collect food and money donations.
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