As Global Food Crisis Tops G8 Summit Agenda, World Leaders Enjoy Lavish 18-Course Banquet

The dinner was themed “Blessings of the Earth and the Sea” and the global food shortage was certainly not evident. The meal included delicacies such as caviar, milk-fed lamb, sea urchin, winter lily bulbs, truffles and tuna, with champagne and wines flown in from Europe and the United States.

The extravagance of the menu drew disapproval from critics. The charity Save the Children said, “It is deeply hypocritical that they should be lavishing course after course on world leaders when there is a food crisis and millions cannot afford a decent meal.”

A preliminary World Bank study released last week estimated that up to 105 million people could drop below the poverty line due to rising food prices, including 30 million in Africa.

Grain prices have more than doubled since January 2006 with 60 percent of the rise occurring this year. More than 30 countries have experienced rioting over food shortages. Overall, the world"s poorest countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Haiti, which import most of their food, stand to suffer the most.

Frances Moore Lappé is the co-founder of the Institute for Food and Development Policy and the Center for Living Democracy as well as the Small Planet Institute. She is the author or coauthor of sixteen books. Her 1971 bestseller “Diet for a Small Planet” sold more than three million copies. Her latest book is titled “Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity, & Courage in a World Gone Mad.”

Frances Moore Lappé, co-founder of the Institute for Food and Development Policy (Food First) and the Center for Living Democracy as well as the Small Planet Institute. She is the author or coauthor of sixteen books. Her 1971 bestseller “Diet for a Small Planet” sold more than three million copies. Her latest book is titled “Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity, & Courage in a World Gone Mad.”

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