Attention Quote by Janet Poppendieck
“By defining the problem as 'hunger', the emergency food system is helping to direct our attention away from the more fundamental problem of poverty, and the even more basic problem of inequality.”
About This Quote
Framing hunger as the main issue diverts focus from deeper systemic problems like poverty and inequality.
In simple terms: Focusing on hunger hides bigger issues.
Key Takeaway
Address root causes, not just symptoms.
Themes
poverty
inequality
policy
health
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
social
political
When to use this quote
- public health planning
- policy development
- community outreach
- NGO strategy
Key Concepts
systemic analysis
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we address both hunger and its underlying causes?
- What policies target inequality directly?
A Different Perspective
Simplifying complex issues may overlook interconnections.
![“You might discover that, nationwide, America's food banks are experiencing 'a torrent of need which [they] cannot meet' and that, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 67 percent of the adults requesting emergency food aid are people with jobs.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f16/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_food_you-might-discover-that-nationwide-ameri_237473.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
