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The Writing Is on the Wall

It’s Time to Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Coming Global Food Crisis

By Hillora LangPublished 2 years ago 4 min read
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The Writing Is on the Wall
Photo by Stefan Vladimirov on Unsplash

I am blessed in many ways to be a writer, and right now, I feel especially privileged to be a writer of sci-fi/dystopian fiction. This has given me a level of insight into crisis survival that many people don’t possess. I am also blessed to be able to volunteer at a local organization that serves the ID/DD community (Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability - I am an autistic person), working to stock and organize our Food Pantry, where clients come to “shop” for supplemental foodstuffs to stretch their food dollars and eat healthy meals. These two parts of my life have given me an edge, which I feel needs to be shared.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in February 2020, we have seen the donations we receive from our regional food bank nearly dry up, as first quarantine/lockdowns went into place, and in subsequent months as the supply chain broke down and workers shifted into other fields, leaving many agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and transit companies shorthanded. Severe weather events—drought, storms, etc.—are now exacerbating the strain on our food supplies, as farmers see crops wither in their fields, livestock need to be slaughtered because they can’t be fed, and many small farms go under. Add to that the unprovoked war on Ukraine, the world’s breadbasket, and food supplies are reaching crisis levels across the world.

I have seen this firsthand at our Food Pantry. Prior to 2020, we used to receive 10-12 boxes of “salvage” every week, a wide variety of items donated by local grocery stores and community food drives, among other sources. As well, we would get 2-4 boxes of frozen meats, an essential source of protein for many Americans. There were cases of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) foods we could purchase for a few cents/lb., including canned vegetables, shelf-stable milk, and other items. And there were often huge watermelon cases filled with dry goods—toilet paper, paper towels, plastic bags, cleaning supplies, toiletries—that we could choose from to supplement the food.

By iMattSmart on Unsplash

The last time we picked up supplies from the food bank to stock our pantry, all we could get to help feed our clients in need was six boxes of salvage. No meats. No SNAP. No dry goods. This is a sign that the supply chain is running dry. Unfortunately, we will begin to see increasing signs of this in our grocery stores, which operate on a just-in-time system, wherein they only get enough supply to meet a few days’ demand. And once those supplies are gone from the warehouses, there may not be any more.

The food that is in the “pipeline” now is last year’s produce. With crop losses due to drought and severe temperatures, the culling of livestock due to lack of feed, and the war in Ukraine, the supply chain is breaking. According to many farmers, by spring of 2023, there will be shortages of many foodstuffs we rely on. If you have a local source, you are in luck. But people who live in many cities are already in “food deserts,” and have no alternative sources to turn to.

By CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Many countries around the world have restricted food exports, in order to feed their own people. So, we can’t expect imported foods—fruits, vegetables, grains, meats—to make it into the American food supply chain, either. There is no better time to develop a localvore lifestyle! And to stock up, for your own family and for your neighbors who may be in need, right now.

In case you think I’m overreacting, or a crazy prepper, please start doing your research. I don’t want to see any of my friends and family suffering. Please think about what you can do if the food supply chain dries up. And do what you can to protect yourself.

By engin akyurt on Unsplash

I’m linking some videos below if you care to hear other voices on this issue. I take no responsibility for political views which might crop up, crazy preppers, or other personal issues. Just trying to sift the wheat from the chaff can take days! I’ve done my best.

Thank you for reading! Likes, comments, shares, follows, and pledges are always cherished.

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About the Creator

Hillora Lang

Hillora Lang feared running out of stuff to read, so she began writing just in case...

While her major loves are fantasy and history, Hillora will write just about anything, if inspiration strikes. If it doesn't strike, she'll nap, instead.

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