5/19-Inequities food dist/avail; assoc issues

Politics interfere with food distribution - the situation is Myanmar is an excellent example. Even when a government does allow food to be brought in from outside agencies, there is good cause to wonder how much of the product reaches those who need it the most. Many times, there have been reports of the military stealing food meant for those who are suffering, and selling it on the black market.

Children born into poverty stricken environments are the hardest hit among starving populations. Through no fault of their own, they are born into lives of hardship and oftentimes misery.

On the other side of the equation are those citizens of wealthy countries whose health woes are self-inflicted. Because of a lack of personal responsibility for one's health, certain types of illness and disease are prevalent in countries where processed food is abundant. These health woes are not found in countries where a more natural diet is the norm.

Education provides an excellent service to all citizens of all countries. In the poorer nations, charitable groups teaching the value of soil enrichment, irrigation, livestock care, and use of solar ovens are helping citizens overcome malnutrition. These groups supply seed stock, tools and animals that serve as the foundation of building herds and flocks, and providing a seed supply for the following year. In the richer nations, where there are still a portion of citizens who are malnourished, education provides links to social services and information on nutritious food choices.