Free Market Famine

Exploding food prices around the world have led to crises in 33 countries, including the violent riots in Haiti that brought down the Prime Minister on April 12. But it is not just the poorest of the poor who are feeling the crunch: in the U.S., 28 million people are now on food stamps — a record high. Food prices here have risen over 80% in 3 years and food stamps cover less than $1 per person, per meal. Food pantries across the country are empty as even those with jobs struggle with the rising price of wheat, eggs, oil, and milk.

Protesters organize for food relief — Mogadishu, Somalia (via BBC)

Meanwhile, corn producers have announced they will not increase their production next year so that they can keep prices — and profits — high. The radical poet, Bertold Brecht, once said, “Famines don’t just happen, they’re organized.” Come to this discussion on why it’s happening and what the struggle for fair food policy is like here and around the world.

Uptown Branch
7pm Thursday, May 22

City College of New York
North Academic Center (NAC) Room 1/201
138 St. and Convent
(1 train to 137 St. or A/B/C/D to 145 St.)