In light of 30-Hour Famine this week, I wanted to post a series of articles that capture the global food crisis. Over 100 million are being driven deeper into poverty by the "silent tsunami" of rising food prices. Haiti is one country experiencing such tragedy. As heart-wrenching as the story is, I am reminded that just a little bit of money can go a long way. Remember to keep seeking pledges!
“Haiti’s poorest reduced to eating dirt,” News.com.au, January 29, 2008.
Extreme poverty is forcing Haiti's poorest people to eat dirt. Mud cookies - made from dirt, salt and vegetable shortening - have become popular among Haitians desperate to stave off hunger, the Associated Press reports. The cookies - which are occasionally used by pregnant women and children as an antacid and source of calcium - have become a regular meal. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and one of the most disadvantaged in the world. Seventy-six per cent of the population lives on less than $2.25 a day, and 55 per cent live on less than $1.13 a day. Chronic malnutrition is widespread and diarrhea - an easily-preventable disease - kills one in five children under the age of five. Haitian doctors have warned that relying on the mud cookies will lead to malnutrition. “Trust me, if I see someone eating those cookies, I will discourage it,” said Gabriel Thimothee, executive director of Haiti’s health ministry. The mud cookies sell for around five cents each, compared to 60 cents for two cups of rice.
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