While Americans are cringing every time they pump gas, others around the world are feeling it too, although not just at the pump. Rising gas prices also cause a rapid increase in the price of staples. And that makes it difficult for the millions of families around the world who live on less than $2 USD per day.
Christian Children's Fund (CCF) is working to lessen food worries in 31 countries around the world by providing support for families with critical food storage; and encouraging income generating activities to increase buying power, as well as the production of food through agricultural development activities.
"Fuel is the life blood of any productive sector of the economy and any upward adjustment in prices therefore has a direct bearing on the cost of delivering quality services," said Anne Lynam Goddard, CCF President at CEO. "Now imagine that your income is less than $1 or $2 per day, and the additional burden it places on needy families around the world becomes profound."
For instance:
In Ethiopia, both potato and tomato prices have risen 300 percent since January. Because of rising food costs, many families have had to cut back to eating just one meal a day. Hulagerish, a single parent of seven children, can no longer afford injera (Ethiopia's stable food) for her family.
In Mexico, people are eating 30 percent fewer fruits and vegetables and 28 percent less milk because of rising costs. Instead they are consuming 38 percent more sodas. People have abandoned working in the fields for other employment opportunities in the city.
In Sri Lanka the cost of rice has also doubled since January. Families are reluctant to participate in workshops or continue their volunteer activities because of the cost of transportation.
In Dominica and St. Vincent the cost of milk has almost doubled since January. Some parents are now unable to afford the necessary textbooks and supplies their children need for school in order to compensate for rising costs.
In Zambia, some children are forced into child labor activities such as working in quarries and selling items on the streets in order to contribute to family incomes. Increased operational costs are leading to companies downsizing and eliminating jobs.
In all these countries, people are forced to buy less expensive, less healthy foods. Cases of malnutrition are on the rise.
CCF is working with families to establish home gardens and as well as income generating activities. In Mexico, families are encouraged to engage in activities such as producing candy, jelly and bread. Alternative energy uses are being encouraged in Sri Lanka as a way to save money.
In Dominica and St. Vincent, families are being taught how to eat healthy at a lower cost. Families are encouraged to plant fruit trees and other edible plants at the program centers rather than planting flowers.
Christian Children's Fund (CCF) is a global force for children, helping the world's poorest and most vulnerable survive and thrive in order to reach their full potential.
One of the world's oldest and most respected international child development organizations, CCF works in 31 countries and assists more than 13.2 million children and family members worldwide, regardless of race, creed or gender.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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