FOOD

“food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (FAO 2008, 1)


Will we ever be able to say that we have food security? I don't understand how we can still have so many people in this world dying from hunger when there are so many resources to grow food. Is it due to poor leadership within our countries or the lack of knowledge on how to use the resources? In the United States the problem is both an abundance of food for some and lack of food for others. We all live in the same country so we shouldn't have such a problem. Are those who are obese just not educated on nutritious food or is it just easier to access? I would think that healthier food would be cheaper to buy but as I walk around the grocery store it just isn't the case. Oranges are over $6.00 a bag while a bag of chips is under $4.00 making the chips the cheapest choice. Our school lunches are now offering healthier foods in the cafeteria however they also have vending machines. While the items in the machines are "baked" how healthy are they really? Then you have parents who don't want their kids eating the schools lunch and bring them McDonald's instead. How are we too keep our children healthy when they are given those types of options? It's unfair when a parent has to choose whether to buy food or pay their rent. Both things are needed and you really can't go without either and often times parents make the decision to pay the rent and will find a way to find food to eat. That's a complete shame. 

Photo by UNHCR

Photo by community.askgargi.com

Farmers being investigated for keeping seeds by Monsanto

Living in Naples where farming isn't as huge as up North we don't really see what happens to the farmers. I was surprised and shocked how far a company will go to hurt people. That's what I call it as they want to hurt them where they know they can. Farmers just like any small business owner can only rely on so much income in order to keep growing and making a living. The huge companies like Monsanto can afford to drag out a law suit because they can afford it and a small time farmer usually can't and end up giving in. It's amazing how much power a company can have and the government allow this to keep happening. I understand that they own the patent to the GMO seeds being used but when is enough, enough? The gentlemen being sued is only trying to make a living by cleaning the machines he wasn't keeping the seeds. I would think they would want the farmers machinery in good condition in order to produce which is what the man was doing. The power of big money!!

Photo by farmerswarehouse.com

Illegal aliens being taken while companies don't receive any penalty.

While this does't really surprise me as I used to work in the fields many years ago and I saw people being taken first hand. Companies will always hire illegal people because it keeps their costs down and illegal people will work because that's what they come to do work! It's a shame that an immigration policy that actually works for all countries can put into place. What is currently in place isn't the same for every country. Mexico for example doesn't have an immigration policy that people can apply for. The only way Mexicans can come here legally is if you have someone who is a legal resident alien or citizen can apply for you and then wait 10 years to see if it will get approved. Of course it depends on the relationship of the person who is applying. However if you are from Haiti you don't need someone to apply for you. How does that make it fair. Not to mention Cubans who can come, step on land and automatically receive amnesty. I understand each country has different issues but again what works for one country may not work for another. Why not really hold the companies accountable as well? A fine really isn't a big deal as these companies are making millions of dollars off of illegal aliens. 

Photo by studybreaks.com

Sources:

APA (American Psychological Assoc.)
Robertson, M. (2017). Sustainability Principles and Practice. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.