Last week, the world food critics called on Billionaire Elon Musk to end world hunger. His response frankly raised no solutions, only more questions.
To paraphrase the Twitter exchange, Dr. Eli David suggested that 2% of Musk's wealth would solve world hunger. Musk returned the exchange stating that if the World Food Program (WFP) could detail (on a Twitter thread) precisely what they would do with the $6 billion requested, he'd gladly sell Tesla stock to oblige. You see where this is going. (For further details, read NBC News’ report)
Would spending Elon Musk’s money solve world hunger
Unfortunately, World Hunger isn't solvable by the world. Because each country has its own way of distributing and utilizing funding received, having a blanket approach to solving world hunger is absurd.
Secondly, because each region may define hunger or starvation differently, restoration in one place may not be parallel elsewhere.
Finally, on a Twitter thread, Elon, really? Have you no compassion for the agonizing number of 240-word uneditable Twitter threads it would take to elucidate the process of solving world hunger?
Let’s start with this small fact published on Bloomberg:
The number of undernourished (aka hungry) people worldwide rose from 650 million people in 2020 to 810 million people today, according to the WFP’s chief economist, Arif Hussain. That’s an increase of 150 million people in a year.
Ending world hunger requires we ALL work together (Elon Musk & you)
Nonetheless, solving a complex issue like world hunger will take government entities reevaluating their subsidy programs. Yes, we know that the WFP received more than 8 billion dollars and did not resolve world hunger. There are many companies, studies, meetings, and other non-direct impact processes that have to happen to create and accomplish the mission. But, it is not impossible.
We can solve world hunger together! But it will take more than one organization. It will take communities of doers everywhere to resolve the hunger crisis in the world. Here are a few ways you can help contribute to the resolution of world hunger:
Donate food to shelters in underserved communities
Volunteer at eateries catering to the unhoused community.
Support grassroots organizations with boots on the ground, making a real impact.
Participate in grocer food drives at schools, churches, and libraries.
Meeting the nutritional needs of individuals will take more than just a meal. To solve the issue of world hunger entirely, other hardships will have to be addressed, like clean drinking water, nutritional education, comprehensive medical and mental health support, and long-term supplemental support.
World hunger is a result of environmental and systemic issues that have plagued our planet. One size doesn't fit all, neither will one response.
We have a part to play in the sustainability of our world. Each one of us is a part of the circle of life. Whether you have Elon Musk’s money to spend or only a few coins in your pocket, let's be more intentional about what we do with our time on Earth.
Are you ready to join us in making a difference in Tampa, FL?
Author: Marla Bautista is the co-founder and CEO of tBP. Once homeless herself, she is now advocating for her friends on the street, and working to end homelessness one person at a time.
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