I just read an article on Waterford Today about the threat that spiraling food prices pose in the battle against world hunger. The costs of basic foodstuffs have jumped 40% in the past year, according to the the UN’s food price index.
The article points to fuel as the main reason. Mainly, it says that the rising demand for fuel and worry over climate change have diverted agricultural land towards the production of biofuels rather than food.
Also, rising costs of fuel will directly increase food prices by increasing the cost of transporting the food.
Of course, I think we need to remember that the world has more than enough food for everyone. We can easily afford to feed everyone. Unfortunately, the people in power choose to use their power to gain luxuries for themselves rather than to let the hungry have food.