Earth Day Teach In

Social Inequalities are Built into Our Food Systems

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                                       Image Credit Cartoonist: Joel Pett, Image Number: 142043

Different cultures and races from diverse backgrounds encompass social sustainability. Even though humans are a melting pot, there are basic needs we all need to have to survive. 

Fundamental human rights help ensure survival by allowing every person to have adequate food, clothing, and shelter. Through purposeful actions of our human compassion along with public acts of government, we can ensure general welfare for all. Our society needs to accept the responsibility for social justice to make it sustainable. 

Like most individuals, you probably think sustainable agriculture is directly related to the environment and has a priority to conserve non-renewable resources along with protecting the natural ecosystem. Food and farming systems must maintain the productivity of the land, save energy, water, and natural resources. The health of the earth ultimately depends on these critical factors, and if agriculture is not environmentally sound, finally, it is not sustainable. 

Economic sustainability strives to be profitable; however, it sometimes falls short. This is where economics gets interesting because sustainable farms do not need to maximize profits, nor do they need to generate a profit every year. No matter how ecologically sound a farming system is, if it is not economically viable, it is not sustainable. 

No matter how eco-friendly and profitable food systems are on paper, it cannot be a sustainable system if it does not meet the basic needs of the local community. Often overlooked is the injustice of hunger and starvation happening daily in the United States. Food insecurity is hiding in plain sight because of the vast number of fast-food companies, convenience, or grocery stores located throughout urban settings. 

 According to The Department of Agriculture, “11.1 percent (14.3 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2018.” The statistics show that there is a steady supply of hungry people without options. 

Our moral and ethical responsibility to help ensure human life on earth must start with our acceptance of obligation. We can help make a change by supporting local farmers that are currently protecting the natural environment. Advocate toward The United States to make viable ecological and economical food systems sustainable. Everyone deserves their universal right to adequate food.

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