Issues of Malnutrition and Hunger

     Issues of Malnutrition and Hunger

By Jake Kohl

     While looking at the issues of hunger and malnutrition and the role us as Christians can play in changing the outcome of the deaths pertaining to hunger and malnutrition. We can see that there are “over 22 million children worldwide who are obese” (Papalia, Diane, & Feldman, 2010, p. 237). This staggering number is alarming when hearing that many are dying from lack of food and or nutrition. While many are left without food and proper nutrition, 22 million children worldwide are eating more than needed. Here in America, “at present, approximately nine million children over 6 years of age are considered obese” (2004, Fact sheet). While there are many cases of children here in the United States who is undernourished and without proper food, the majority of the cases stem from other countries, mainly in South Asia (Papalia, Diane, & Feldman, 2010, p. 246).

     The average home food budget can vary depending on the size of the family, but when looking at the correlation of obesity with what is spent on food among the families that are obese, many factors can come into play when considering cutting back. Granted, some obesity may be genetic, but more often than not, obesity is a result of overeating and lack of exercise. Some of these factors can cut down and reduce the amount childhood obesity, which in turn can cut health costs and improve the lives of many who are obese. Saving money while shopping, and shopping healthy can aid in the resources that can help fund those who are less fortunate. Many homes can help reduce the problem of hunger and malnutrition by going through their cabinets and pantries, and eliminating some can goods that may have been in there too long or just won’t use. Doing as Christ would do is key!

     On a more national level; as I drive through the country or across town, I see many open spaces. I see property that is overgrown, vacant, or just desolate without being used. God gave us this land, this world to thrive and survive and to plant, multiply and to help each other. He gives us the seeds and the sunlight, as well as the rain to grow the foods we need for nutrition. I would suggest that we use the land for the purpose of growing food to help end hunger and to combat the end of preventable deaths that many of us look beyond as though it is not happening. Planting a tomato plant (just one) can help someone or even a family who would not eat otherwise. Harvest the plants and taking them to food banks, or to those you may know who is not doing well could very well, save a life. Jesus could have took the fish and bread and fed himself, or gave it to His disciples, but He shared this among those that were hungry; just as we should as well.

     I’m not running for Mr. America, but I do feel that we as Christians can set an example for the rest of the world in helping end the sufferings of those who are sick and dying because of food and lack of nutrition. We are called to be the light in the world, to shine among the darkness and to set the stage of love. In doing so, not only are we opening the doors up for witnessing, but we are opening the doors up to a better healthier world… even if it’s one life at a time.

Matthew 25:40 (New King James Version)

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

References

Institute of Medicine of the national academies (2004) Childhood obesity in the united states: facts and figures [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.activelivingresources.org/assets/Childhood_obesity_fact_sheet.pdf

 

Papalia, D. E & Feldman, R. D. (2011). A child's world: Infancy through adolescence (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.