I dream of the day my child asks: What was starvation? The dream is within reach: we can be the generation to end hunger. But we have to do a few things to get there, simple things...
Right here, right now, you are reading this article using a technological device that's existence was once deemed impossible. You are living in an age where technology never ceases to blow minds. Mankind continues to exceeds limits - we have mobile applications for almost anything. We can have our grocery shopping delivered to our doorstep at a click of a computer mouse. The technology we have at our disposal is limitless. So why is it in this same world, where possibilities really do appear to be almost endless, we are still struggling to feed so many: two-million people die each year because they do not have enough to eat.
Of course, that's slightly naive- there are many complex causes of the food problem: conflict, civil strife, tsunamis, earthquakes, drought etc. But ultimately, food is fundamental for survival and if there is something that can be done (which there is), we need to be doing it. Prioritising the food problem and implementing sustainable solutions is precisely what the organisation "Enough Food If" are campaigning for the G8 to do.
The G8 is compromised of 8 countries which collectively hold a prominent amount of the worlds wealth: 50.1% of 2012 global nominal GDP and 40.9% of global GDP (PPP). The members wealth and influence places them in a position to make significant change. The G8 summit briefing by the campaign contains some recommendations for the G8 to take on board to help tackle starvation.
By holding companies accountable for tax dodging, providing support through aid, demanding transparency from governments and corporations, prioritising crop growth and acknowledging effects of climate change, the food problem can be solved.
Over 45,000 went to the "Big If" festival in Hyde Park to encourage the G8 to tackle to hunger problem once and for all. People laid down flowers, the petals of which represented the millions of children across the world who die each year from not having enough food to eat. From an aerial view, the flowers laid showed a pot, inside the pot was food - represented by the flowers laid by the public. This is more than a beautiful creative display, it is a symbol. A symbol of empowerment- a symbol that we the people can do small acts that we take upon ourselves to feed the world, the responsibility falls not only on the G8.
What can we do now?
On average a household in the UK throws out £640 worth of food per year. By stopping ourselves from wasting food we not only help those around us but we save money too.
So how do we do this?
Be more conscious of what you put in your trolley. Check expiry dates and have a rough idea of what you will eat and when.
Find new things to do with your leftovers- you might even surprise yourself with what you can come up with!
Ask for a take-out bag when you can't finish your food at restaurants - even if there's not much left, you can eat it as a snack.
If you've bought too much food, freeze it and use it another time rather than throwing out.
Asides from stopping food-waste, you can buy fairtrade products. 70% of the world's food is produced from smallhold farms. But these farms hold half of the world's most hungry. Fairtrade ensures that these farmers are paid fairly and are working in safe conditions. You don't need to change your entire trolley to fairtrade (though that'd be great) but perhaps just switch one or two products you would normally buy. There is lots of fairtrade chocolate and coffee available - treat yourself whilst helping others.
More info can be found here: