Anatomically modern humans have been fighting nature for around 200,000 years. The idea of ending hunger might seem especially implausible given the challenges. For instance, one influential fraternity of theorists argues that life will always be an ugly struggle due to economic Darwinism. In this model, a few fortunates get a whole lot while the rest suffer comparatively desperate lives and then die unceremoniously. All of this is supposed to lead to a “better-adapted” species.
For the first time in human history, there is no physical reason for hunger to continue on such a massive scale, at least in terms of essential resources. The world has finally reached the point where it now produces enough food to provide everyone with an adequate caloric intake every day. Think of the possibilities. A well-fed global population would be healthier, calmer, happier, and more intelligent. Theoretically, we can do this.
Making it happen will be an intense challenge given the mechanics of poverty. Skewed income distribution, military and cultural conflicts, natural disasters, inefficient agricultural production practices, unstable markets, food wastage, and other factors spell continued misery for a staggering number of unfortunate people, to include over 48 million Americans who live in food insecure households. The weakest usually suffer the most. Five million children die every year from malnutrition. Double that for child deaths due to symptoms related to malnutrition.
A network of vested interests are developing more effective food production systems. Advanced robotics alone will speed the transformation. Likewise, availability to nutritious diets and health services for those who need them will go far in solving the problem. But this is easier said than done. Hunger is broadly systemic, and too many people in positions of power fail to implement practical remedies due to ignorance, indifference, political cowardice, or sociopathic tendencies.
Personalizing the issue makes it more immediate, more real. We all suffer in one way or another. It makes sense to help others suffer less, especially children and the elderly. How can any reasonably decent person accept child starvation, even as a distant abstraction? Looking inward usually helps. After all, life isn’t a zero-sum game. Helping others matters.
Those who want to eliminate hunger should push this conversation to the forefront of public discourse while maintaining as positive an attitude as possible, knowing they will meet resistance and sorrow along the way. We need to address hunger in a consistent manner by seeking out opportunities to engage in short- and long-term actions that alleviate it. Starting with our own communities is a good idea.
