With Thanksgiving upon us, it is important to remember much of the world’s population regularly goes hungry. Hunger is one of the most prevalent and serious issues in today’s world, affecting more than 854 million people all over the globe – almost all of who live in developing countries. Food shortages are the unfortunate bi-product of natural disasters, drought, war, sub-standard agriculture, and economic upheaval.
For example, one of the many developing countries in a state of crisis is El Salvador. With a history of civil war, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, El Salvador is a country filled with poverty, hardship, and instability. These disasters cause almost half of El Salvador’s population to live under the poverty line.
This week, millions of Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving by opening bottles of Champagne, sparkling cider, and other expensive drinks. While we are spoiling ourselves with expensive drinks, it is important to note 61 percent of the population in El Salvador doesn’t have water piped into their homes. These people have to walk an average of six miles per day just to get water. The average American only walks six miles a month.
Another thing we will be enjoying in abundance is turkey. In most homes, it is tradition to buy a big bird and cook it for the whole family. This year while you eat your turkey think about how much it actually cost to put on the table. A 10-pound turkey at the local market costs $26.90 and doesn’t include the side dishes and desserts like potatoes, gravy, yams, pumpkin pie, etc. In El Salvador, the $26.90 alone would supply one person with enough money to live on for over 13 days. A quick calculation shows the people of El Salvador live on less than $2 a day while Americans treat themselves to dinners which can cost well over a $100.
Life doesn’t have to be this way for the people of El Salvador, or the millions of other people in the world who go to bed hungry every night. There are ways we can help give these people a better life. There are many different organizations which support people in need, and really need to be supported by us right now.
Take this fact into consideration while shopping for the fixings for your next holiday meal.
Submitted by Sonoma Valley High School students Ryan Matteo, Helyna Derickson, Claire Eraldi, Jenna Wirick, and Yesenia Vargas.
