Hunger is a global crisis that continues to impact millions of lives every day. According to the United Nations, over 690 million people in the world go to bed hungry every day. The majority of these people live in developing countries where food insecurity is a significant problem.
India, the second-most populous country in the world, has one of the highest rates of hunger and malnutrition. It is estimated that over 190 million people in India cannot afford food, and many of them are children. The poverty line in India is also very low, with around 21.9% of the population living below it.
One woman who has experienced the devastating effects of hunger is Laxmi, a mother of four from India. Laxmi's husband passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, leaving her as the sole provider for her family. She works as a maid and earns just enough to send her kids to school and feed them. Some days, if her master is gracious enough, she will offer her something to eat which she takes home to cook.
Despite her hard work, Laxmi struggles to provide her family with enough food. She is forced to prioritize her children's education and basic needs over her own health and well-being. Laxmi's situation is not unique, and many women in India and other developing countries face similar challenges.
It breaks my heart to see women like Laxmi struggling to put food on the table for their families. As someone living in a more developed country, it's easy to take things like a cup of coffee or a meal out with friends for granted. However, it's important to remember that even a small donation can make a significant difference in the life of someone like Laxmi.
For instance, the cost of a Starbucks Cappuccino Grande, which is approximately $5, could buy a 5kg bag of rice in India. This rice could feed a family of four for several days. Similarly, a donation of $100 could feed a small needy family for an entire month.
I urge readers in more developed countries to consider giving up one thing for just one day to feed a woman in need in India. Imagine how much good we could do if everyone made this small sacrifice. It's time to come together and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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