Hunger, Whiteness and Religion in Neoliberal Britain: An Inequality of Power

The book explores the reasons behind food aid and food poverty, highlighting the neoliberal governmentality and Christian ideals that maintain inequalities. It also reveals a sector that is varied and can be part of movements for economic and racial justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Food aid exists for a variety of reasons, including to address hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. However, the food aid industry is often infused with neoliberal governmentality, which promotes individualism and market-based solutions to poverty. This can lead to the perpetuation of inequalities of class, race, religion, and gender.

One of the key arguments of the book is that food charity upholds Christian ideals and white privilege. This is evident in the way that food aid is often distributed to those who are already marginalized and vulnerable, such as low-income families, immigrants, and people of color. Food charity can also be used to promote religious beliefs and values, which can be harmful to those who do not share those beliefs.

However, the book also reveals a sector that is immensely varied and embodies both individualism and mutual aid. Food sharing amid poverty fosters solidarity and gives rise to alternative modes of food redistribution among communities. These alternative ways of being can be part of movements for economic and racial justice.

One of the ways that food sharing amid poverty fosters solidarity is by providing a sense of community and belonging. Food sharing can bring people together who may not have otherwise interacted, and can help to build relationships and trust. This can be particularly important for those who are experiencing food insecurity, as it can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Food sharing can also be a way to address food waste. When food is donated to food banks or other organizations, it can often be wasted due to a lack of storage or transportation. By sharing food with others, we can help to reduce food waste and ensure that everyone has access to healthy food.

However, food sharing amid poverty can also be challenging. There are many barriers to food sharing, such as stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. These barriers can make it difficult for people to access food and can lead to food insecurity.

To address these barriers, the book suggests a number of strategies. One of these strategies is to promote food justice and equity. This can be done by advocating for policies that address food insecurity, such as increasing access to food stamps, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Another strategy is to promote food sharing among communities. This can be done by creating community gardens, food banks, and other organizations that provide food to those in need. These organizations can also provide training and support to those who are interested in food sharing.

In addition to promoting food justice and equity, the book also suggests that we need to address the root causes of food poverty. This can be done by addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Poverty is a complex issue that is caused by a variety of factors, including economic policies, social policies, and environmental policies. Economic policies that promote inequality, such as tax cuts for the wealthy, can lead to food insecurity. Social policies that promote discrimination, such as racism and sexism, can also lead to food insecurity. Environmental policies that promote climate change, such as deforestation and pollution, can also lead to food insecurity.

To address these root causes, the book suggests a number of strategies. One of these strategies is to promote economic development. This can be done by investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. This can help to create jobs and increase income levels, which can lead to food security.

Another strategy is to promote social justice. This can be done by advocating for policies that address discrimination, such as affirmative action and anti-racism policies. This can help to create a more just and equitable society, which can lead to food security.

In addition to promoting economic development and social justice, the book also suggests that we need to address climate change. Climate change is a major threat to food security, and it is causing a number of environmental problems, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

To address climate change, the book suggests a number of strategies. One of these strategies is to promote sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is a farming system that is designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. This can help to reduce the amount of food waste and the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.

Another strategy is to promote renewable energy. Renewable energy is a source of energy that is generated from natural sources, such as wind, solar, and water. This can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere and can help to create jobs.

In conclusion, food aid exists for a variety of reasons, including to address hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. However, the food aid industry is often infused with neoliberal governmentality, which promotes individualism and market-based solutions to poverty. This can lead to the perpetuation of inequalities of class, race, religion, and gender. However, the book also reveals a sector that is immensely varied and embodies both individualism and mutual aid. Food sharing amid poverty fosters solidarity and gives rise to alternative modes of food redistribution among communities. By harnessing these alternative ways of being, food aid and communities can be part of movements for economic and racial justice.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 232 x 156 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447358558