More on the Call to Action- World Food Day 2008

Posted by Ellie Hurley, World Hunger Year
What is now referred to as the global food crisis began quietly enough several years ago. In early 2007 protests over the increased cost in tortillas broke out in Mexico, then there was a whisper of grain and rice exports being restricted in China and Vietnam, and slowly but surely, as the crisis reached America, the prices on our shelves began to increase. This summer somewhere between further protests in Egypt and Haiti, increased fuel costs, and food pantries battling long lines and empty shelves, it became clear that these were not isolated incidents. The world is facing is a food crisis, which if unaddressed, threatens to further weaken economies world wide, further impoverish the poor, and further deplete our waning energy reserve.

Unfortunately, US Politicians and world leaders have done little to address this food crisis. With the presidential election right around the corner, it’s crucial that this issue make it to the agenda. Having access to healthy, affordable, and local food can save energy, boost an economy, improve health, and alleviate poverty. It is at the root of every issue that is prominent on the political agenda, yet it is not directly addressed.

On October 16th, World Food Day, WHY along with its partners will launch a national Call To Action to end the global food crisis at the historic Great Hall of Cooper Union. Step up to the Plate: Ending the Global Food Crisis is an opportunity to learn about the real causes and solutions from activists like Alice Waters (Chez Panisse and Edible School Yard) Frances Moore Lappe (best selling author of Diet for a Small Planet), Raj Patel (author of Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System), Ben Burkett (president of the National Family Farm Coalition ) and more.

This is a chance to be a part of the solution and to launch the national Call to Action, demanding that the food crisis become a part of the political agenda. This Call to Action asks that it not be addressed simply as an issue of food access, but as a human rights issue. Rectifying it falls hand in hand with improving global trade, finding alternative energy sources and ending poverty at home and abroad.

The event is free and begins at 7PM, Oct 16th in the Great Hall of Cooper Union, 7 E. 7th Street (at 3rd Ave.), New York City. To RSVP (encouraged) please contact whyevents@whyhunger.org. Seating is first come, first served.