The author of The Hunger Game, Nick Saul, brings up the topic of hunger and poverty in Canada and how food distribution programs only exacerbate it. People often think they are doing a good thing helping the poor people, but Saul explains in an article posted on an independent Canadian platform, the Walrus, why it is only a facade. He describes how in the 80s, food banks were perceived as a temporary solution to the economic crisis, but now they have become a permanent part of society. The author cites statistics on the growth of calls to free food distribution centers claiming a “31 percent rise overall since before the recession began in 2008” (Saul, 2017). Thus, experience shows that the more a society feeds the poor, the more hungry people appear.
Moreover, Saul insists that food banks in Canada aggravate the issue. First, they mask a growing problem by “doing such a good job that it can look as if the problem has been solved” (Saul, 2017). Second, they stigmatize poverty and discourage poor people from solving their main economic problems. Thirdly, free food is low in nutritional quality and extremely unhealthy; it only worsens the health of poor people by causing diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc. The combination of these factors leads to aggravation in the socio-economic situation and increases the burden on the medical system.
Saul proposes to completely abandon the system of free food distribution, as it has long since failed. He suggests developing programs to support the production and distribution of healthy food to make it affordable for every Canadian. In addition, it is necessary to address the problem of poverty systemically and not just provide free food. Expanding local production and initiatives to improve economic opportunities will lead to better long-term results and a real solution to the problem.
Reference
Saul, N. (2017). The Hunger Game.The Walrus.