The price of food is consistently rising and for more than 100 million people, this rise in cost is forcing them deeper into the depths of poverty. Being touted as the “silent tsunami”, food shortages all over the world are causing riots and food related thefts leading analysts to worry about the future of the impoverished who will be left unable to pay for food to feed their families. Even the UN based food programs are being threatened by the riots and could effect more than 20 million children.
According to major world leaders who are holding meeting and conferences around the world regarding the state of our nations and the swelling food crisis, the cost of food is higher now than it has been since 1945. Where once the financial troubles of the world were taking center stage as the stability breaker, today the food shortage stands as one of the biggest world threats.
The effect of the food shortages may even be threatening the growth of the middle class. This class of people has been making steady progress out of poverty and into a strong new class of world residents.
The foods most affected by the food shortages are the staples of many families. Rice, wheat and corn prices are higher now than ever before and without these staple foods, other products can not be produced in a manner affordable to the middle class.
The United States, in an effort to help aid the most affected nations, has offered $200 million in support with additional monies waiting for Congress appropriation.
According to reports, the rise in the price of rice alone within the countries of Asia accounts for an increase of more than 100%. A metric ton of rice cost a mere $460.00 two months ago and today that same metric ton of rice is going for $1000.00.
The World Food Program, responsible for feeding more than 20 million people every day, budgeted nearly $3 billion for the active food programs this year. Two months ago, they were facing a $500 million shortage, today that shortage has grown to $755 million.
According to Josette Sheeran, the executive director of the World Food Program noted at a new conference that more than 25,000 people are dying every day from a condition related to hunger.
While the World Food Program most often focuses on the most poor of the population (those earning 50 cents or less per day), the current food prices are forcing those of higher class (making from $2 to $1 per day) to cut back on meat, vegetables, health care and education.
As if the current food price troubles were not enough, the cost of fuel and fertilizer are also on the rise making the food shortage a compounding struggle that those involved hope is finally reaching a plateau.
