International Hunger

"Across Globe, Empty Bellies Bring Rising Anger"

This New York Times article is about how rising food prices has made it even more difficult for the poor to have access to the food they need to survive. The problem of rising food prices is an issue here too. Two weeks ago, several organizations organized a national strike. The protesters requested that the government not raise the price of public services. Another concern is that while the price of food has been increasing, salaries have not been raised to offset the higher cost of living. Yesterday was Labor Day and there were demonstrations as well. Thankfully the situation here is not yet at the level of desperation in the countries described in the article.

Another issue is that it costs a lot of money to attend school. Fortunately the students at my school have all of their costs paid for, but often they eat very little or nothing for dinner and on weekends. The situation is better for those who have parents that work, but even then things can be very hard at home. Some parents work but not consistently and find it hard to pay for thing like having their children´s teeth pulled. The staff at the school has not had a salary increase since the school was founded three years ago.