1. A Year to End Hunger By: Simi Atolagbe University of Memphis

2. Introduction A manmade disease called hunger continues to kill millions of children and adults, mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers in both developed and underdeveloped nations such as the United States, Africa, India and China. We have been told that there are no solutions. Currently, we live in the year 2010, and still continue to walk away instead of standing up to resolve this problem. We have forgotten all of the great works and wonders that we have accomplished. When we needed transportation, did we not invent? When we needed communication, did we not innovate? Now, there are more than 1.02 billion people deprived of food and millions of people dying from hunger every year. So why are we not using our talents to reinvent the tools that will put hunger in our history books?

3. Why people are hungry in the 21st Century? The dilemma behind hunger is the politics behind creating a feasible solution in ending the number (one) killer of the human race. This deadly disease (hunger) is not caused by the lack of food or the lack of means to distribute food. There is enough food grown to feed the mouths of every living being. But because of corruptions, lack of motivation, lack of inspiration or lack of responsibility for the human being, the majority has turned our hearts away. For example: The majority of poverty stricken nations export food to developed countries such as the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The question we should ask ourselves is, how is that possible? Why do we continue to buy food from poverty stricken nations such as China, India and Africa when they are not feeding their own people? And then, we turn around and spend trillions of dollars in aids. These acts of kindness sounds like a guilty conscience, not an act of compassion. When we buy from them, we are just as corrupt as their governments and power heads that can care less for the health and wellbeing of their nations. Many arguments have been made in response to why people in both developed and underdeveloped countries continue to go hungry. A critic will argue that there is no way to end hunger, and it is not our place to feed everyone. Others argue, if we keep feeding the hungry, they will become dependent. To some extent, some people are capable of providing for themselves and their families. However, many (children, elderly, poverty stricken mothers, etc.) are part of a group that is not capable of providing for themselves because of the system, laws, and regulations that are set in place by their governments and power heads. When we turn our backs, we are killing future doctors and scientists, mothers and fathers, friends and motivators.

4. Solution: A year to end hunger Many solutions have been suggested in reducing hunger. One that has often been suggested is to expand the access of food to everyone. In theory, that is a wonderful idea, but without full practice, it is unattainable. In order to find a feasible solution to end hunger in our era, we have to play the game of our era. This is where the idea of a year to end hunger comes into play. For this solution to become a reality, several steps must be taken.

5. Solutions cont’d First, mass communication and technology are making dramatic impact in today’s society. The idea is to use technology and communication in getting a practical solution once and for all. Visualize, the two major—Facebook and Twitter— social media and CNN—the world’s most recognized and credible broadcasting station— endorsing a forum for one (1) year that will find workable solution(s) to end hunger. . The next step is to bring stakeholders—UN, general public, Feeding America, Hunger Project, other nonprofit organizations, etc—from every corner of the world to the table. During these meetings, proposals of each party will be tabled. At these meetings, the next step will be to form workable solutions. A team of researchers and strategists who can invent solutions will be listening and observing the discussions among the stakeholders. The fourth stage of the process will involve fundraising for implementing the strategies that were recommended by the forum. Citizens, public and private corporations, small businesses, etc will all be able to contribute to the foundation that will appropriate the funds for implementing the solutions that were decided upon. The final process of ending world hunger will be to implement a task force that will head approved projects in different regions of the world. I believe that the idea—a year to end hunger— will allow us to work together as one being to end hunger, which will impact every life across the world.

6. A healthy world A word to the inventors and innovators Unfortunately, there are going to be opponents even when an idea is clear or even when someone is simply trying to impact the world positively. However, we cannot make room for critics to continue to build road blocks. We must stand up and act for the world. The idea that it is the government’s problem and that the hungry got the wrong end of the stick is completely off. We have spent trillions of dollars on a problem that is still present. We must put forth solutions that will give room for food to become a necessity rather than a luxury. With the implementation of a year to end hunger, the world can begin fighting other social dilemma that is being faced across our communities and nations. But we must first end the root cause of the disease. When a soul is nourished, it can become a valuable member to the society. Thus, we valuable members, we have healthy economy, and with a healthy economy, we have a happy world.