‘I waste food, so what?’
That’s one reaction I get when I tell people that I’m researching food waste. Countering that argument from a logical perspective can be difficult, as I have a gut reaction against squandering (as do many people).
On that logical path, limiting food waste matters because farming and freight uses oil, water, time and money, pollutes the air and depletes the soil. In addition, some of the food Americans waste could feed hungry people.
A recent study by the USDA lends a glimpse at hunger in America. Some lowlights:
–11 percent of US households experienced food insecurity at some point in the year (meaning money limited their access to adequate food).
–17 percent of households with children less than six were food insecure at some point.
–30 percent of households headed by single women were food insecure at some point.
A corresponding study by America’s Second Harvest found that 35.5 million Americans were food insecure in 2006. Focusing on child hunger, the study found that New Mexico and Texas had the highest child food insecurity rates (24 percent).
In citing these numbers, I’m not saying that all food waste could be repurposed to feed hungry people; that’s logistically impossible.
I am saying that wasted food is part of the problem. And that for people (and children) to go hungry in the wealthiest nation in the world that produces more than twice the amount of food we need seems crazy.Â
Comments
2 responses to “What’s at Stake”
Regarding the Second Harvest study that focused on New Mexico and Texas: those two states have two of the highest percentages of their populations consisting of illegal aliens from south of the border. That needs to be taken into account when making judgments about this country and how we care for our people, be it how well they are fed or anything else. Why not balance it by looking at a state with a very low level of illegal immigration and determining what the food insecurity rate is there. I think you would see that overall the food insecurity rate in this country is not really so bad.
John, the study didn’t focus on New Mexico and Texas. I just highlighted those as the states with the highest child food insecurity rates. You’ll find all states’ rates if you click the link.
As you’ll see in that study, the overall child food insecurity rate for the US is 18 percent. I think that’s bad.
You’re right in that illegal immigration plays a role in child food insecurity. Using this estimate of illegal immigration by state, Wyoming and Maine have virtually no illegals (they’re not even on the chart). Looking at that Second Harvest study, both states have 19 percent child food insecurity.
Also, while illegal immigration is a topic we need to address, someone’s immigration status doesn’t change the fact that they’re hungry.