Starbucks shops will highlight poverty

As I read the article on Starbucks’ plan to open 50 stores this year in India, I quietly imagine the wealthy and perhaps middle class sitting at a cafe drinking a latte and can’t help but think of the poor and starving children who may not have a meal that day in spite of the economic boom in that country. I’ve heard that 40 percent of undernourished children in the world are Indian.

The following words are from Starbucks’ management: “We’re going to move as fast as possible in opening as many stores as we can so long as we are successful and so long as we are embraced by the Indian consumers.” Oh, that the country could “move as fast as possible” to feed the hungry children! Supposedly India’s prime minister said last year that “the problem of malnutrition is a matter of national shame.” They recognize it, but can/will this problem ever be solved? Maybe Starbucks will donate some of its profits to the cause.

Florence Smith

Mount Prospect