Hunger in America - Coursework Example

Hunger in America al Affiliation) Hunger in America The documentary, “A place at the table” by magnolia pictures allows the analysis of hunger from a political and government perspective. As I watched the movie during class time, I examined my own underlying assumption and perspective on food policy and related matters. The movie reignites my feelings about the persistent danger of hunger in America. The movie defines a starting point for social change since it defines hunger as a problem that requires political and social input.

Ironically, the movie starts with scenes of helicopters peering down on vast fields of grain and huge waters that depict America’s capacity to produce enough food for its citizens (Goldman et al., 2012). Furthermore, the American food policy entails food and nutrition programs for those who cannot afford food. This begs the question why more than 50 million Americans are suffering from hunger.From a political perspective, lack of political will and divergent politics leads to increasing hunger in America (Alliance to End Hunger, 2015).

Indeed, most of the American Presidents including Obama made election pledges to end hunger but have done nothing to alienate the problem. Moreover, few elected officials or media are discussing this issue (Goldman et al., 2012). From a government perspective, there is an assumption that the poor prefer to depend on the food donations and stamps from the federal and state government because they are generous and certain. However, the documentary shows that these government policies are not effective and hence could not shield America from the persistent hunger (Goldman et al., 2012). Indeed, the directors present the inefficiency of the food-stamp system that disqualifies the working class from federal donations.

Moreover, the government policies seem to reward cheap junk foods and overprice fresh fruits and vegetables thus hindering the availability of health food (Goldman et al., 2012). The film presents the views of an advocate for the hungry who points out the inefficiencies of government subsidies. Apparently, the government subsidizes the production of grains but does nothing to support the production of affordable fruits and vegetables (Goldman et al., 2012). As such, although the government is addressing hunger, the benefits of such policies do not solve the hunger problem since the working class and the unemployed still lack the ability to buy healthy food (Bread for the World, 2015).

This leads to fundamental health challenges since the hunger-stricken Americans are vulnerable to obesity, malnutrition, and other health problems.The documentary shows that the hunger problem is solvable. Indeed, the film shows three Americans who want to help themselves. The three working class families strive to address the hunger problem to no avail since they cannot earn enough money to access or afford nutritious foods subject to the misplaced government policies (Goldman et al., 2012).

However, the film presents our moral obligation to address the problem by showing how the three Americans maintain their dignity as they seek to provide for their families. Indeed, if all Americans prioritize the idea of ending hunger, America could solve the problem completely and avail healthy food to everybody. To achieve this, the film depicts that policymakers must convince the American government to change its priorities (Goldman et al., 2012). Apparently, a commitment from the political powers could alienate the problem since it can influence the government and the society to fight hunger (Alliance to End Hunger, 2015).

I feel that the film made a significant presentation of the causes and possible solutions to the hunger problem in America. The film allowed the working poor to give their views on this issue and showed that the problem is solvable. The government, politicians, and the society have a moral obligation to address the hunger problem subject to the health, physical, cognitive, and economic problems it causes in America (Alliance to End Hunger, 2015). Indeed, poorly nourished children will lead to high health care costs, dwindling academic performance, and a weak economy.

As such, I was frustrated and challenged after watching the movie having realized the causes and effects of hunger in America. Although I was glad that I could afford nutritious foods, I recognized my moral obligation to address the hunger problem without blaming the government or politicians.ReferencesAlliance to End Hunger. (2015). Advocacy. Retrieved from http://www.alliancetoendhunger.org/programs/advocacy/Bread for the World. (2015). Causes of Hunger in the U.S. Retrieved from http://www.bread.org/hunger/us/causes.

htmlGoldman, J et al. (Producer), & Jacobson, K., & Silverbush, L. (Directors). (2012). A Place at the Table [Motion picture]. United States: Magnolia Pictures.