Leeds: Farmers Helping Feed a Hungry World

As Iowa farmers wrap up another bountiful harvest and look forward to Thanksgiving and the annual opportunity to give thanks for our many blessings, we must also pause to consider those who are less fortunate.

Poverty is the principal cause of hunger. The World Bank estimates that there are 1.3 billion people in developing countries who must live on $1.25 a day or less. The world’s farmers produce 17 percent more calories per person today than they did 30 years ago. This is enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories per person per day. The principal problem is that many people in the world do not have sufficient land to grow, or income to purchase, enough food. Many also face political corruption and chaos that prevents food from reaching those most in need.

The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates there are 925 million people who are undernourished. And even in the United States it is estimated that 35 million Americans are food insecure; 380,000 Iowans including 146,000 children.

Feeding those who are hungry is too often just a talking point. For farmers, it’s a way of life - especially soybean farmers.

Soy is a miracle protein. It is well suited to provide the calories and other nutritional needs of those who are hungry.

The World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, a program of the American Soybean Association and supported by Iowa’s soybean growers, brings the benefits of U.S. soy protein to people living in developing countries. Its creation in 2000 underscores the concern soybean farmers have for those who are undernourished. Many Iowa soybean growers annually donate bushels and acres of soybeans to the program.

The Iowa Soybean Association is a significant investor in research at Iowa State University. The investment helps scientists increase yield potentials for soybeans while maximizing land, energy and water. Better yields and a lower carbon footprint are good for the planet and those who are hungry.

This year, the Iowa Soybean Association created the Iowa Food & Family Project, a purpose-driven initiative that inspires greater understanding and trust between farmers and consumers. It involves nearly 25 food, farm and retail partners and serves a higher purpose by helping those who are food insecure and the organizations that serve them. This summer, the Iowa Food & Family Project raised nearly $19,000, including $8,500 in cash for Iowa food banks. That’s a tremendous amount, given that for every $1, food banks can distribute nearly $15 worth of food. To learn more visit iowafoodandfamily.com.

Farming is certainly a business and today’s farmers must be shrewd and efficient with their assets and resources. At the same time, if you ask them what really motivates them you will most likely hear – “to feed a hungry world.”