Where did the myth come from that the world could produce enough food for everyone to have four meals a day?

Question

Throughout my childhood I heard many people saying that if wealth were equally spread, the world would produce enough for it's entire population to have four meals each day. Where do you think this came from and how far is it from being true?

Chris · Accepted Answer

The united states pays farmers to leave fields unplanted to keep food prices up.  The also convert a huge amount of grain into alcohol for fuel.  I live on the edge of a 6000000 acre (3000000 hectacre) park in northern NY that is kept as wild forest instead of being farmed.  A lot of food could be grown but the problem is ths lack of a transportation system into poor areas.

Vernon · Answer

If the rest of the world consumed products like americans do then we would need 7 earths

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, it was estimated by FAO experts. And in fact, it is very close to be true, except in some parts of Africa and Sahara.

? · Answer

what a loaded question

Where did the myth come from that the world could produce enough food for everyone to have four meals a day?

4 Answers