Rice rationing...in the United States
Well, kinda: MarketWatch:
Last sentence emphasis mine. Via Marc Ambinder.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said its Sam's Club wholesale club chain is limiting the sale of some rice to four bags per member visit because of what it described as "supply and demand trends."
Jasmine, basmati and long-grain white rices will be subject to those purchase restrictions, as long as they are allowed by law, in the 594 clubs across the U.S., said Sam's Club spokeswoman Kristy Reed. New Mexico and Idaho are the only two states that forbid such practice, she said.Reed declined to comment specifically on whether the restriction stemmed from a shortage in imports or a rush among consumers to hoard these commodities. Wal-Mart said at this point, it's not limiting purchases of flour or oil.
Comments
There is a real food crisis worldwide and it's not going to get better any time soon. This is an opportunity for us to lead the way and show the world that there are still Americans willing to help.
The normal supply of rice is down do to drought, pests, and the freezing of exports. This results in prices going through the roof on the futures markets. International aid organizations are getting less and less rice for their dollars, and people are dying.
We can help feed these people with a "Take Mine" approach. Just don't buy rice during the month of May - let those that need it have it.
If enough people around the world stopped buying rice for a month then demand would drop, inventory would swell, and prices would decline. Aid organizations would then be able to buy more rice at a cheaper price and give it to those that really need it.
If you think this is a good idea, then spread the word.