Some people in the United States take food for granted; they throw away left-overs, complain about what they have to eat and do not think about what they should eat. In the late 1950’s to early 60’s, there was a widespread famine throughout China due to natural disasters and mismanagement by the government; as a result, it brought hardship to all low income families. During this time, families had to conserve food and eat in small amounts to be able to have enough for the next day. My mom’s side of the family especially knows firsthand what things were like because they grew up during this period of history. Families ate what they had and saved what was left over. Times were tough, but by working together, people in the village were able to overcome the famine.
My mom’s side of the family resided in the rural southeast China, which was one of the most affected areas during the famine. The distance away from the major cities and the lack of economic development are one of the many reasons for being the most affected area. She remembered only eating in small amounts each day in order to have enough for the next day or even week. Living in a family of seven, there was not much food to go around. My grandma and grandpa would skip days without food just so my mom and uncles would have enough to eat. Anything that could be eaten was; even an animal that was no longer useful was eaten. There were days when my grandpa would go out to hunt for food to bring back home. Families all across the village would combine what they had to eat in to a big meal for all. In the light of all this, people have big hearts when faced with disasters.
As time passed, the famine grew even worse and more people started to die either from the lack of food or other causes. My grandma’s longtime friend died as a result of an illness that she had caught from the spoiled food that she ate. Some committed suicide by starvation so they can get out of the situation there in and some ran away from home. There were also many life lessons learned from this as well. Because of a lack of food that was going around, families learned to eat what they had. Some saved for later if there was leftover food, and never let food go to waste. There were many sad times and this affected all who were involved.
During the height of the famine, there was a flood in the southeast region of the village, and this devastated the crops and plants that were almost fully grown. This caused even more starvation, and everyone was in desperate need of food. The government was slow in responding to the flood, and it took them more than two weeks to send in help and supplies. Everyone in the village pitched in to save what was left and tried to make something out of everything. Due to eating in moderation, the villagers took the crops that were saved and made soup that lasted for days. As a result of team work and cooperation, no one in the village starved.
As the famine finally came to an end, there was a new appreciation of life, family, food and community. Many people who went through this period still have that mindset. There was a prolonged effect on the population and caused people around the word to think about conserving food. As of now, my mom still conserves food and never lets it go to waste. At home, she would save leftovers for later and would eat everything off her plate. During the holidays, she donates money to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, so no one goes hungry. She told me she doesn’t want anyone going through what people back in China experienced. I learned to have a greater appreciation of food from talking to her about her experience during the famine. Many things can be learned from what have happened. Everyone in the community united as one to help out those in need. No one was left out and everyone was included. Life was challenging, but everyone all worked together and got through it as a community. In light of all that was happening, disasters bring the good out of everyone. As it shows from the famine crisis the community came together in a time of need and this should reflect on all the people of today in the world.
