Berg discusses 'food insecurity' in America

A degree from the University of Pennsylvania may be a meal ticket after all.

Last night in the Fisher Fine Arts Library, Joel Berg, author of All You Can Eat, addressed the nature and history of "food insecurity" in America to a large and enthusiastic audience.

Berg explained that the college-educated population accounts for only 5 percent of charitable food recipients - the effect being that a college degree is, statistically speaking, poverty insurance.

The term "food insecure," which Berg admits is "awkward," is used by the USDA to describe American households that are "at times, uncertain of having ... enough food."

Berg also discussed his experiences in politics and government. His career in public service began when he became affiliated "with an unknown Southern governor" - former President Bill Clinton.

A central theme of the evening was Berg's belief that government can address hunger in a meaningful fashion. Citing epidemics of cholera and other communicable diseases in America's past, he told the audience that government intervention "wiped them out." He said he believes the same could be true for hunger.

Using historical analogies, he also offered solutions to the burgeoning crisis and held a question-and-answer period after his lecture.

Two witnesses to Philadelphia's "food insecurity" also spoke at the beginning of the evening - Bill Clark of Philabundance and Mariana Chilton from the Drexel University School of Public Health.

Clark said his organization's network of 600 neighborhood-based agencies experienced a "30 percent increase in demand ... and a 20 percent decrease in resources," adding that "we can't come close to doing it all."

When asked as to the catalyst in the transition from his background in government and administration to his current career in hunger advocacy, Berg replied, "I eat."

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