Explain how global issues can cause problems in our food supply.

An Unfair Welcome

Industrialized Nations Can Either Produce Enough Food or Afford to Import Enough Food Yet poverty still exists in these countries. Poverty limits food availability

Global Hunger is a Complex Problem Food production too low Distribution problems Lack of services needed (like electricity) Lack of food storage to protect from animals, insects, mildew, etc Transportation problems (vehicles, roads) Natural disasters (droughts, floods, etc) Rapid population growth – More land gets used for housing vs producing – Developing nations have greater population growth Fuel shortages and costs Conflicts and politics

Global Water Problems Add to the Challenges Water covers ¾ of the earth’s surface, but 98% of it is undrinkable. 2% is fresh or drinkable, but 75% of it is frozen Therefore less than 1% our earth’s water is available for humans, crops and farm animals. Prediction – By 2050, up to 7 billion people in 60 countries will face a water scarcity. Check out Jewel

Water Contamination Water must be used over and over Rainwater runs off land carrying oil, gasoline, garden chemicals, and animal waste from roads, yards and farms into the water supply. Chemicals poured down the sink travel to water supplies.

Human and Animal Waste Sewage treatment plants can’t handle all pollutants. In developing countries there may not be any sewage treatment. 1.4 million children under age 5 die each year due to contaminated water.

Practice Sustainable Living Achieving economic growth while protecting the environment and promoting human well- being. – Organic Farming no pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Stresses resource conservation Soil is fertilized with compost and animal manure

Practice Sustainable Living Alternative Farming Methods – Agroforestry – raising shade loving plants under the shelter of trees. – Hydroponics – plants grown without soil. Plant is held in water, gravel or sand and fed nutrient enriched water. May occur on rooftops. – Aquaculture – raising seafood in enclosed areas of water, such as a fish farm. By 2010, aquaculture will provide over 1/3 of all fish eaten in the US.

Practice Sustainable Living Take a reusable cloth bag to the store instead of using plastic bags. Use public transportation, bike or walk instead of driving. Eat local produce Cook enough to freeze leftovers instead of buying pre- made, prepackaged meals.

Summary… 15% of our world goes hungry everyday. Each week, there are 50,000 people in Maryland relying on emergency food programs - food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters - to put food on the table for their families. More than one third are children and elderly. The reasons are many, but we can do our part by practicing sustainable living and participating in our school food drive!