HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I keep hearing that there is a global food shortage affecting more than 238 million people around the world. What is causing this, and is there anything we can do to help people who are experiencing food shortages?
— Lorraine Y., Scranton, Pa.
DEAR LORRAINE: There are about three main factors that contribute to food shortages:
∎ Conflict: This is the main reason for food insecurity. It disrupts food sources from reaching their intended market and cuts into income, which all lead to higher food prices. It is also considered a weapon of war when food is cut off. A starving population will, in time, surrender.
∎ Economic crisis: Poorer countries do not have the ability to import vast quantities of food. This is where humanitarian aid is needed the most.
∎ Weather conditions: The whole Earth is experiencing the effects of climate change. Flooding, droughts, hurricanes and more have taken a toll on food production. Bad weather directly affects both crops and livestock.
Through Feed the Future, the United States is addressing the global issue of hunger, which is mainly caused by poverty. This results in food insecurity and malnutrition. Each of us can help by reducing food waste, increasing our awareness of hunger and donating to organizations that rush food to places where it’s so desperately needed, here and abroad.
For more information, you can contact the World Food Program at secure.wfpusa.org.
DEAR HELOISE: Which is better for our health: sweet or regular potatoes?
DEAR ELEANOR: Both types of potato have nutritional value, but sweet potatoes have a very high amount of vitamin A. They can also lower your glycemic index, which simply means that they are less likely to cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
Red Desiree potatoes are the highest in vitamins and minerals.
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