In a world where we can visually talk to each other, in real time, from opposite sides of the globe, why on earth is there still an overwhelming need for food parcels to be distributed in communities to relieve hunger among the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
We are used to seeing the appalling images of famines in sub Saharan countries. Hunger in these areas is understandable. Adverse and extreme climate conditions, lack of infrastructure and political instability contribute to the scarcity of even the most basic of necessities.
But hunger in developed countries should not exist – yet it is growing. What is it that pushes some sections of society to allow shops brimming with food and groceries to exist alongside homelessness and child deprivation in the same streets?
Complexity of issues
For an individual living in a wealthy, developed society to find themselves in a position where they cannot afford to feed themselves, they will be the culmination of a number of issues that have compounded over time.
Mental health issues, addiction, unemployment, family conflict, financial ruin – all contribute towards the decline in one person’s situation, or indeed form the foundation of another’s should they be unfortunate to be born into a toxic environment. The interconnectedness of so many different issues makes it difficult to identify, isolate and eliminate any root cause of hunger.
Hunger in children
Studies indicate that children who suffer from hunger and deprivation are more likely to do badly at school, and leave early with few or no qualifications. Research by the organization Feeding America highlighted how 50 per cent of children who experience extreme hunger will have to repeast a grade. From an early age these children have low expectations around their future, and are more likely to fall into addiction issues and substance abuse, particularly if they have grown up in households where such behaviours are prevalent.
What are the physical and emotional effects of hunger on children?
- Malnutrition: When children do not get the nutrients they need, their physical and intellectual development is impaired. Malnourishment from an early age can cause permanent damage.
- Compromised immune system: children who are undernourished are more susceptible to other diseases.
- Learned helplessness: a lack of energy can cause children to fall into a state of learned helplessness, whereby they feel that nothing they do will help them escape their situation. This creates a state of dependency and vulnerability which leaves them susceptible to exploitation.
Ways to tackle childhood hunger in developed countries
There is no excuse nor reason for children in Western developed societies to go hungry. Too often, their parents are consumed by shame and guilt, which adds to the overall anxiety about their inability to feed their own children. However, the ability to reach out and seek support is the first, most important step for parents who are suffering financially in this cost of living crisis to get the help they need.
- Supermarket waste: every year supermarkets are throwing away the equivalent of 190 million meals a year. There are many organisations who attempt to counteract this waste by running food banks, and other campaigns designed to feed local communities with the support of local food providers. If you are a family seeking support seek out a local charity who will provide you the urgent help you need.
- Social housing: many social housing providers have additional grants and funding specifically to provide their more vulnerable residents with food and help with essential bills.
On a governmental level, engaging supermarkets in donating a larger proportion of their waste to charities feeding vulnerable children and their families will go a long way to alleviating unnecessary hunger and malnutrition. More needs to be done to facilitate this.
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