A great resource on the food crisis is Raj Patel’s site, Stuffed and Starved. He is the author of a book by the same name, which was published in 2007. The book is an insightful read that gives a very thorough background on the food crisis causes and deeper issues with trade and the global food economy which is dominated by a handful of large corporations. Topics include farmer suicides, the impact of trade agreements, how hunger and obesity are related, and ag- and biotechnology and your food.
The book description reads, “From seed to store to plate, Stuffed and Starved explains the steps to regain control of the global food economy, stop the exploitation of farmers and consumers, and rebalance global sustenance.”
I’m actually reading this book now. The text is well-written and accessible. Patel puts a very human face on the crisis issue and these personal stories of people around the globe really bring home the matter in a way that is easy to understand and fascinating to read. Eleven pages into the text, I renewed my vow to give up all but fair trade coffee.
In fact, the deeper I read into the book, the more I understand that the current crisis is not just a recent event. It’s been developing for some time, that all of the food issues we read about today including this food crisis are inter-related. If you make time to read one serious book this summer, I would recommend this one.
Related Link: This quiz from National Geographic‘s Green Guide challenges your savvy on this current issue on everything including causes, specific grains, and solutions. Find out What’s Up with the Food Crisis now.
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the book review – I’m going to see if my library has it and put a reserve on it now.