Global Food Crisis Becoming a Silent Tsunami

Wednesday, April 30, A.D. 2008

According to Josette Sheeran, the Executive Director of the World Food Program, the looming global food crisis is becoming a "silent tsunami" of hunger that is engulfing the world's most vulnerable nations. According to the WFP, at least 20 million children have already been put at risk, and Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank, says that as many as 100 million people could be forced into even deeper poverty. With the price of such basic food staples as rice having doubled in the past five weeks - the World Bank estimates that food prices have risen nearly 85% in the past 3 years - even the modest gains that have been made in combating hunger will likely be erased.

Perhaps, however, the most telling comments of the impact of the crisis come from church partners on the ground. BJ Mpofu of the Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe is now in South Africa trying to purchase maize for his rural congregations to distribute to people in their communities. "I must admit I was shocked at the lack of food and the seriousness of the situation. The demand for food is frightening."

Church World Service has prepared a "fact sheet" on the crisis to help the members of its member communions be more informed and aware. Week of Compassion has established a "world food crisis" account to help Disciples respond to emergency food requests from our church partners, as well as provide assistance for long term development projects that enable people to reach a modicum of food security. You can view the CWS fact sheet online and/or make an online contribution.

Also, the crisis is having an impact on domestic food prices, and WOC anticipates an increased number of requests from our own congregations that work with food banks and hunger programs in their respective communities.

Tornadoes Strike Southern Virginia

Week of Compassion is in contact with numerous congregations in southern Virginia in the aftermath of Monday's tornadoes. At least three tornadoes touched down along the James River from Colonial Heights (south of Richmond) to Suffolk. At least two hundred people were treated for injuries, but no deaths have been reported. WOC is working with local pastors to respond to any impacted members as well as needs in the surrounding communities.