· Start by carefully reading Chapter 15 and studying the information in the Content Guide.  

· Next, select two or three factors that you think are the most crucial in providing an adequate food supply, globally.  Then write a short essay of roughly
1 ½ pages in which you define the problems, discuss where they occur, and propose ways that individuals, groups, governments, and/or international organizations might attempt a solution. (Of course, there is no one cause of such a complex situation.  However, you should be able to identify contributing factors and explain their role in creating hunger.)  

· Other factors to address in your essay include the following questions:

· Why have a number of the measures undertaken in the past not always been successful?

· Why do you feel that the problems can or cannot be solved?

· Why are there pockets of hunger in our industrialized nation as well as in developing nations?

· How do environmental issues factor into addressing the problem of world hunger?

Content Guide

Hunger and the Future of Food

In Chapter 15 the authors discuss the causes of hunger globally, in an environmental perspective. Their objective is to help you consider how you, as a consumer and citizen, can have an impact on the forces that affect the nation and the globe. Another approach is the rapidly accepted promotion of sustainable agriculture. This encompasses producing food for the world with less damage to our environment.

As you read, take notes on the major issues and look for the interrelationships that cause world hunger. Reflect on what you are learning from your text and the links listed below. All of these resources should provide you with an overview from different perspectives. Use additional resources as you see fit, but be sure to cite your resources using APA format.

What does it mean to be hungry? What are the major causes of hunger in this country? In developing nations? What are manifestations of people being hungry? What actions should be taken to increase the likelihood that nutrition will be adequate in the future? What actions should be taken to protect the environment, locally and globally? What are the responsibilities of the citizens and governments of industrialized countries? After completing your reading, you will be writing a short essay on what you have learned and then share it with your classmates in the Discussion Area.

Global Policy Forum
 – Global climate change leads to an increased number of weather-related disasters such as floods and droughts, which cause food shortages and famine. This web page links to articles relating to environmental degradation and hunger.

Good Nutrition vs. Need: A Closer Look
 – In our own country, food insecurity is a complex issue.

How the UN is attempting to address lack of food security
 – Overview of relief programs used by the United Nations to slow hunger and poverty in the world. Includes information about educational programs and food relief efforts.

FAO, the 

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
, has as its goal to end global hunger.

Organic Food Standards and Labels: The Facts (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled “organic” must meet, whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. When you buy food labeled “organic,” you can be sure that it was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world.