As a fan of people getting enough to eat, I read with relish ( ;>)) of one government actually passing legislation directing that food for sale by grocers NOT be thrown away. Instead, it must be given to the needy, used for livestock, or energy. Story Below from the Independent (
http://www.independent.co.uk/... )
France is making it illegal for large supermarkets to throw away edible food as part of a series of measures to cut down on waste.
The country’s National Assembly unanimously voted in new laws on Thursday night that will force chains to donate discarded food to charity or allow it to be turned into animal feed, compost or energy.
Guillaume Garot, a Socialist politician who sponsored the bill, said: “It’s scandalous to see bleach being poured into supermarket dustbins along with edible foods.” (my bold)
More below the not-so-spoiled 'croissaaaant'
I've never been inside the Statue of Liberty but I've always had kind thoughts of France for its assistance to this formative nation and its steadfast friendship spanning nearly 250 years. I'm told: that beautiful gift portrays the American ideals of justice and balance. I'm not aware if Liberty's scales would be suitable for weighing cabbage but I know she is in favor of social justice.
Yet somehow things have gotten twisted over the years, and America is less about justice and more about 'individualism'... even if it's at the cost of not having any social justice or even fairness. But I'm pretty sure the blindfold represents 'impartiality': the ability to put aside judgement and preconceptions to do what is right.
France gave us another gift this past week in setting an example for our own actions to address a worldwide problem. We only need to accept this inspiration by putting aside those judgmental views with which we regard the poor, needy and hungry.
And with millions of our hungry citizens being children, we might just take the lead of France showing us what mercy and compassion is about: a law promoting social justice.
I bet Liberty would crack a huge smile.
All of us have heard about places where food kitchens for the needy or homeless are banned: operators are prosecuted. But are those who passed those laws showing our best traits as Americans, or merely stooping to victimizing some of us, for the benefit of not inconveniencing some business owner or sensitive individuals who care not to witness the effects of our injustice in America?
Liberty did an eye-roll when that ban-the-kitchen ordinance passed. I know it.
One of the wonderful things about France's law is that the vote for passage was UNANIMOUS! We should accept that example of benevolence and make it our own. It can be done by joining or starting a social justice organization and taking the idea to food vendors who would support government (the people) addressing a nationwide (and worldwide) issue. Literally, we can start at the roots.
We can accomplish things by acting, but by acting together in passing legislation we can achieve so much more.
Liberty is gracious and stands strong. And so should we to solve hunger in America.
Then. Let's take on global hunger, too. Liberty loves just desserts.
Cheers