Letter: YOUR SHOUT - Help make a difference

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Oct 17, 2008

Byline: LEIGH DAYNES

AS people all over the world continue to feel the fallout from the global food price crisis, the British Red Cross is highlighting the impact on conflict-affected communities.

In developed countries such as the UK, the average person spends around 15% of their income on food. In countries affected by armed conflict, like Afghanistan, as much as 75% of a household's income will go on food.

In Afghanistan the International Committee of the Red Cross is carrying out food distributions to meet the needs of 280,000 people in north and northwest provinces. This assistance is vital as it is virtually impossible for ordinary people to buy enough food because of soaring prices. A combination of conflict, drought and rising food prices means the wellbeing of every day Afghans is under threat from all sides.

Globally there is still enough food to feed everyone. People should never go hungry. To help make a difference visit www.redcross.org.uk/civiliansandconflict

LEIGH DAYNES, Spokesman, British Red Cross.