Better way Quote by Eleanor Roosevelt
““We no longer have merely domestic issues. Perhaps the best illustration of this is the question I am asked everywhere in the world: “We hear you Americans pay to keep land out of production because there is too much to eat. Is there no better way to use your ability to produce food than to get rid of it?” This is a home question; it is literally of vital moment to the millions of starving in the world who look to us. I do not see how we can retain world leadership and yet continue to handle our problems as though they concerned us alone; they concern the world. We feel that a surplus of food is only an embarrassment. We solve it as though only we were concerned. But think of the hungry people and their bitterness as the food that could save their lives is plowed under. To say they think it highly unfair is to put it mildly. We have never put our best brains to work on the ways we can produce to the maximum, give our farmers a better income, and still employ our surpluses in a way to solve the pressing needs of the world, without upsetting our economy or that of friendly nations who might fear we were giving food to markets they are accustomed to selling to.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on food policy, United States, 1940s
The speaker argues that food surplus is a global moral issue, urging efficient production, fair farmer income, and using excess to alleviate world hunger without harming economies.
In simple terms: Food waste is a global problem; we must use surplus wisely to help the hungry.
Prioritize efficient, equitable food distribution.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- NGO programs
- farm subsidies
- trade negotiations
- public awareness campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we redesign food systems to reduce waste?
- What policies ensure fair farmer income while aiding the hungry?
Challenges include balancing domestic economic interests with global aid and navigating trade politics.