As with most economic woes around the world today, the fuel crisis has affected those who are most vulnerable.  It makes sense that individuals with the most income and savings are able to afford more than individuals without those assets.  That is not to say that the well off do not experience any issues due to economic problems, but they are in a much better position to absorb the losses than the average person making just above minimum wage.

Bill Gates understands how these things work, and he understands the concept of helping those who need it most.  Aside from being a gabillionaire, he is a philanthropist and a humanitarian who is using his money for good.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced today that they are providing $17.6 million in grants to help the hungriest people around the world, as well as nursing mothers and small farmers who have been hurt by the fuel crisis.  Many of the individuals who will be helped are people who have lost their jobs due to the fuel crisis, and others simply cannot afford the skyrocketing prices of food.

According to the United Nations over 950 million people worldwide are at risk of hunger and malnutrition.  This is especially true of young children and nursing mothers.

In addition, costs of fertilizer and fuel have hampered small farmers’ efforts to grow food.  Some of these farmers are losing their farms, others cannot afford to grow and sell food at market prices because of the high costs involved in growing and developing it.  The grants will help supply everything from seeds to soil to farm management and market access, helping the farmers to have a more even playing field in the world market and to be able to sustain their farms.

Until the fuel crisis developed to this point, many around the world have not truly paid attention to the side effects of not having affordable fuel or enough fuel.  It is important that we all pay attention to this issue, as it effects everyone from the largest farmer to the smallest consumer.