But People Are Starving in Africa!
On June 9, I’m going to try to do something very difficult…
I’m going to try to eat 25 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
That’s just a few less than this many.
But don’t worry, I’m a pro. I’ve got this.
Wait… a pro?… What?
Yeah, I know. When people find out I’m a competitive eater, I tend to get a few different reactions.
(1) How the… Where do you put all that?!
and/or
(2) Gross. There are starving people in the world and you’re doing that?! That’s horrible!!
So just for fun, let’s address these really quick.
(1) Post-contest, I tend to carry a few extra pounds. I’m ok with that. It’s a work hazard that you kind of have to accept when you’re in my position. Plus, I’ll eventually burn it off through a combination of my undiagnosed ADHD and almost-daily workouts. My metabolism is pretty killer, plus, I poop a lot…. No, you don’t understand — I mean A LOT.
I was going to put a picture of poop here, but the google image search kind of grossed me out. So here’s G. W. Bush eating a kitten.
(2) Yes, there is a terrible hunger problem in the world. My gut reaction is always to ask “What have you done to fix this situation?” But, let me put cattiness aside for the sake of advocacy and instead start by saying that world hunger, in fact, isn’t a result of a global shortage of food.
Fact: The world produces enough food to feed everyone.* World agriculture produces enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories (kcal) per person per day. The food production is unevenly distributed, though. So those without land for farming or money for buying are left to starve. Even in America, tons of fresh produce are sent to the landfills every year, because food banks can’t afford to get that produce to warehouses for distribution. No gluttonous Americans are eating this food. And no one is paying to get it to the hungry mouths in Africa.
Fact: Poverty is the principal cause of hunger.* The lack of resources, an extremely unequal income distribution in the world (and within specific countries), and conflict lead to hunger. Countries torn by civil war, ruled by uncaring dictators, and affected by decades of unfair foreign policies (by the US and other countries) have populations that can’t afford to buy their own food, or raise their own animals and crops. Education funding is basically nonexistent, so a better tomorrow seems hard to imagine.
To be succinct, people aren’t starving because I’m eating food from their plates.* They’re starving because we’re not doing enough to help fix the situation.
(*note: my family and friends may in fact be starving because I’m stealing food from their plates)
P.S. This is all good news. If there was a global shortage of food, that would compound the issue and we’d be hard pressed to help solve it (short of community garden projects and global rationing).
Bet I can eat 25 of these in ten minutes…
This brings me to my point — The problem is poverty, and that we can impact.
In fact, since that’s the case…
Competitive eating can help fight hunger.
Unlike this picture, my situation might actually be ironic. #LearnWords,Alanis
You see, I tend to enter competitve eating contests with two goals. For this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest, these are my goals:
(1) To eat 25 hot dogs in 10 minutes (my last year’s record is 21.5).
Ridiculous? Yes. I’m planning to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier in Tempe, AZ. 25 hot dogs is my a goal, and I’m going to do everything in my power to achieve it. Plus, that’s the EASY goal.
My other goal….
(2) To help the kids of Sudan have a brighter future.
The people of Southern Sudan are poor, illiterate, and have been through way more than any person ever should. Their country has been ravaged by back-to-back civil wars that brought with them a horrible genocide. The society has been ripped apart, and the kids are the ones who suffer most.
In Southern Sudan, only 1,600 schools exist for 1.6 million children. Only 1/4 of adults are literate (and worse, only 1/10 of women). Without access to education, the people will only see their poverty, illness, and suffering continue.
I’ve started an effort to help fund schools and public healthcare efforts in Southern Sudan through supporting the Deng Ater Foundation, whose ultimate goal is to build 3 schools in 3 townships of Duk County. They also hold public healthcare and education clinics on the topics of: AIDS education and prevention Malaria education and prevention Guinea Worm edcucation and prevention (a waterborne illness) Land Mine Risk education and prevention (a real result of the civil wars)
Like, for reals. It’s a thing.
They have also distributed medical supplies to the local clinic, and recreational supplies (such as soccer balls) to the local schools that already exist.
They are also working on a current initiative to drill a clean water well for the community. (You might already know how much I love clean water through my previous food-related fundraisers with charity:water)
All of these initiatives will help strengthen a community in need, leading to decreased hunger.
So this is my Dog-a-thon for the Kids of Sudan. I will push myself harder than I think I can, if you will support this effort to help the kids in Sudan. Just imagine if all the critics donated instead of complaining. If just 40 people contribute a $1 pledge for every dog I eat, we could have a $1000 impact on Southern Sudan.
By making these contests about more than competitive eating, I’m able to push myself further than I would normally go. I get up there at the Nathan’s table and know that every hotdog counts. Not just for my stomach, but for these kids, and their community.
I’ll bring the tummy ache if you bring the help.
Please consider joining me in this effort. Any amount helps.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/cardboardshell/dogsforkids
To all those who have already donated, a sincere thank you, and this video tribute:
*Hunger Facts as confirmed by WorldHunger.org
