We watched this black and white PSA filled with disbelief as images of deserted grocery stores selling apples for $11/lb, cans of chicken noodle soup for $22.78/ea and ground beef for $52.49.lb faded in and out. We wondered is this a post apocalyptic world movie trailer? Then it brightens, a woman returns a loaf of bread to the shelf and a tagline reads, “Imagine a world where food was too expensive. For 36 million Americans, it is.”
The spot was created by Duncan/Channon for WHY (World Hunger Year) a New York City-based charity founded in 1975. Noreen Springstead, WHY director of fund raising and marketing said, “Hunger and poverty are increasing all around the world and families are making tough choices based on their financial realities. When food becomes unaffordable, our dignity, survival, and peace are at stake.” Whoa. Roland Emmerich would love her.
Powerful images indeed and a startling reminder that many people in the world’s richest country still struggle daily. We assume the ad is part of the campaign’s 2009 Hungerthon Kickoff. The Party and Concert will take place on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 7 pm-midnight at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square. You can buy tickets, make a donation or sign up to volunteer on the site.
