THE KNOWLEDGE GAP
Empathizing on the Struggles of the Hungry
THE KNOWEDGE GAP: Empathizing on the Struggles of the Hungry
The Knowledge Gap Theory
1 The Knowledge Gap Theory, among its other definitions, can also be classified as people making sense of things according to what they know, often filling gaps of information with “best guesses” or details coming from personal sources and experiences. However, a possibility exists that this information is incomplete or wrong, leading to gaps in understanding. People can generalize and form conclusions only based on what they know, perceive, and believe, which allows misinformation to spread and be generally accepted.
2 In this case, there can be an assumption that, compared to the pandemic, people have more freedom and opportunities to fund their needs today. However, the reality is different when looked at and examined more closely.
Why Awareness is Important
3 In one way or another, Filipinos have felt the impact of the pandemic on their food security. A study on the Knowledge Gap theory reports that local issues that made a direct impact to people of a community arouse “more social concern” compared to those that did not affect them. Thus, they are more likely to be concerned about hunger and food insecurity.
4 Awareness on food insecurity is crucial as it kickstarts action to address such disparities. By reading this article, you are making an effort to better understand the issue. You might not know this, but 54.9 million Filipinos are food insecure. That’s roughly 64% of the entire population. Our indifference towards the growing number of people going hungry every day worsens the suffering our future generations will endure. The longer we remain unbothered, the greater the problems they will face.
5 Staying informed on the pressing issue of hunger will impact not only individuals but communities as a whole. However, it is important to remember that awareness should be accompanied by action.
Hunger and Poverty: What the Youth Can Do
6 Sharing posts on social media. By simply sharing advocacy campaigns, such as those featured in this website, you contribute to spreading the word. This, in turn, allows you to reach a broader audience, increasing the potential for financial support towards the movement. Who knows? You might be able to encourage some of your friends and family to donate.
7 Financial donations. Spare coins in your pocket, or rather, in your e-wallet, can make a significant difference. Even as small as 5 pesos, when combined from various sources, can purchase a meal for a hungry family. Every contribution, no matter the amount, plays an important role in alleviating hunger and helping communities in need.
8 Volunteering in hunger-focused organizations. Organizations like Share-A-Hope PH and Rise Against Hunger Philippines are always open to interested volunteers. You can help pack food in food banks, market donation campaigns, and assist in the organization of feeding programs. By reaching out to such groups, you are able to serve the people and make a tangible impact on reducing hunger according to your means.
9 Doing these activities not only provide support but also raise awareness and inspire others to take action. Doing charity efforts is a transformative experience–something that fosters a sense of purpose and solidarity, keeping in mind that access to food and nutrition is a fundamental human right.
SOURCES [1] Philippines: Chronic Food Insecurity Situation 2015-2020. (2015, January 1). Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1044577/?iso3=PHL#:~:text=Around%2064%25%20of%20the%20population,severe%20chronic%20food%20insecure%20population, [2] Gaziano, C. (2016). Knowledge gap: history and development. The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783764.wbieme0041, [3] Stewart, A. (2018, June 13). The knowledge gap theory and why it matters to you. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/knowledge-gap-theory-why-matters-you-april-stewart/
OTHER FEATURES
Food Insecurity Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
While food insecurity is already a persistent concern in the Philippines, the COVID-19 outbreak made it worse, with the lowest income households bearing the brunt of the burden.
Food Security in the Philippines Now
When people lack consistent access to sufficient nutrition to lead healthy lives, it is referred to as food insecurity. Learn more about the challenges entailing urban hunger.
Hunger and Malnutrition in Poor Households
With the problems of poverty, Filipinos only can do much when it comes to making ends meet-how do they adjust amidst the rising prices of the most basic necessities, including food?
Food Security VS the World’s Hunger Crisis
Now more than ever, the world is facing challenges regarding the accessibility to resources, specifically food. Indeed, the world can only attain security when the hunger crisis has been solved.
Food Scavenged from the Trash and Leftovers
“Anak, pagpagan mo ‘yan. Marumi.” Does that make sense when we say pagpag in dealing with hunger and poverty? How does one survive the day without access to safe and clean food?
PH: Current Movements to Address Hunger
Not everyone is privileged enough to have easy access to safe and nutritious food, but every tiny bit of help counts. Discover the movements in the country that help alleviate the issue of hunger.
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