We all know how the cost of living can often seem to be unmanageable, forcing us to use most of our available resources for the simple necessities of survival such as energy (gas, petrol or diesel and electricity), housing and nutrition, leaving very little left over for savings or luxuries.
But what about those in Africa and beyond? Those who are forced to survive without the even the bare basics? Malnutrition can lead to terrible deficiencies such as anaemia, beriberi, scurvy, rickets and kwashiorkor, as well as devastating and lifelong effects in children and babies.
Many people are struggling to maintain their quality of life these days as global food prices skyrocket. The recent oil crisis influences both the production and transportation of food and is just one element that trickles down into our grocery bills.
While the price of daily sustenance increases, many producers are experiencing a sharp rise in production costs. Food producers, especially in first world countries, are looking to specialised products and progressive methods to supply a smaller number of consumers who are able to pay more for gourmet produce.
This divide between the 'needs' of the destitute, and 'decisions' of the wealthy, comes at a cost. Organic coffee, for example, costs less than regular coffee bean farming, but the yields are smaller - thus allowing producers to charge more for less.
Soup kitchens, community bakeries and other feeding schemes don't just aim to feed mouths, but rather nourish multitudes within ludicrous financial constraints.
How is this possible? Peanut butter on brown bread with a glass of milk is a tried and tested meal used in schools, refugee camps and emergencies to supply the basics of nutrition without breaking the bank. Here a breakdown of a basic nutritional meal:
Given the resourcefulness, ingenuity and community spirit of the people of Africa, there are many who are making great strides in creating sustainable food production and distribution points like mobile soup kitchens and bakeries made from prefabricated structures and old containers such as shipping containers. These projects are doing a wonderful job of making an impact into malnutrition and starvation in Africa, From teaching about good nutrition to buying or growing ingredients, these facilities and projects rely on donations and fundraising to feed those in need. Charities need your help to get more of these containers to needy communities.
You don't need to donate a kidney, give up delicacies or live on morsels to help alleviate starvation in Africa and facilitate sustainability. Consumer consciousness coupled with a social spirit is more than enough to assist in saving the day.
There are many online charities devoted to collecting money from those who have resources to spare in order to help those who do not have anything to begin with. Many of these charities focus on nutrition and with guarantees that your donation will reach those in need, all you need to do is click the mouse and know that you are making a difference.
By being aware of what foods and brands you buy, as well as the subtleties between nutritional value and value-for-money, you can save a small fortune without having to give up the luxuries you've earned for yourself and have that small amount to spare each month to help the people of Africa.
A small sacrifice could be the difference between life and death in Africa.
About the Author
Breadline Africa is a charity organisation that fundraises for numerous smaller groups, from grassroots movements to larger scale NGOs. Solely reliant on donations, this charity assesses the work done by other charities that it chooses to support and allocates funds where they are most needed. Donating to Breadline Africa ensures that you donate to a valuable cause.
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