Kids with no rice
April 23, 2008
As a result of the rising cost of rice, nearly half a million kids are expected to start missing meals in the coming weeks.
The World Food Program cut off rice deliveries to 1,344 Cambodian schools last month after prices doubled and suppliers defaulted on contracts. Schools will run out of food by May 1, depriving about 450,000 children of meals, the WFP estimates.
“Over time, this will result in higher malnutrition rates and lessen the physical and mental development of these children at a critical period in their lives,” says Paul Risley, a Bangkok-based spokesman for the United Nations agency.
Recent curbs on rice exports have made sure that Cambodia’s rice supply remains adequate. But like many Cambodians, the WFP just can’t afford the higher prices. Not and, you know, still put gas in their Landrovers.
April 25, 2008 at 9:41 am
The rice issue is tricky business. It appears to me the Prime Minister is addressing this issue to some degree by halting exports.
Like world fuel costs, food prices are out of any one individual governments control.
The best any one Country can do on the rice issue is produce more efficient, larger-scale, mechanical cooperatives.
April 28, 2008 at 11:14 pm
[...] cites that “Rice fever runs hot in several Vietnam provinces.” Details are Sketchy is worried because nearly half a million kids in Cambodia are expected to start missing meals in the coming [...]