The nation’s hungry: Can you hear me now?

Hi, I’m Leo and I’ve got an interesting idea.
That’s what people say anyway. Almost everybody I tell about my Web site, www.monalulu.com, rubs their chin and says, “Hmmm, interesting.”
People think it’s “interesting” that I’m trying to start a nationwide revolution to keep grocery prices affordable.
They consider it kind of “interesting” that I’m urging consumers to take a more active role in the pricing process by actually asking for a discount.
They even find the concept of shoppers mailing in Monalulu postcards to their local grocery stores, well you guessed it, “interesting.”
But “interesting” is about as far as it goes. Once they get past that silly, little word, I lose them. That’s right about the time they need to get back to their regularly scheduled routine.

Well, you know what folks, “interesting” isn’t enough. I’m talking about the price of food here. FOOD. Grade A American beef, and chicken noodle soup, and ravioli, and junk.

I’m not waxing whimsical about the price of tea in China. Although the global economy certainly plays a role in our current predicament.

And our current reality certainly is stark. Food prices are rising at the fastest rate in 17 years, according to recent headlines.
Now what does that startling figure mean? Well, depending on where you live, it might mean that your 9-year-old neighbor boy is not getting enough of the right foods to eat – BECAUSE THEY ARE WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!
There, do I have your attention?
“Hmmm, interesting …”
Well, you know what, there are lots of interesting things in this world. Like mud wrestling. And I believe monalulu.com is one of them.
Now I just have to convince the nation that it’s more than just “interesting.” It’s do or die. We’re hungry. We can’t afford food. And we’ve got to eat. Got to!
In other less developed nations, the masses are actually taking to the streets and engaging in violent “food riots.” Poor people have died in some of these protests.
I am trying to do what I can to prevent a similar tragedy from cropping up on American soil. Yes, my idea may be small, but we’ve got to start somewhere. We, the people, need to send a message. Before it’s too late.
I’ve got to act quickly. June 28 is Monalulu Day, the target date for the 10 percent nationwide grocery discount I’m proposing. That’s about two months away. But, realistically, I only have about a month to rally substantial support, if this thing is going to be effective.
I need people to act. I need them to stop watching TV long enough to mail a postcard. Is that too much to ask?
Yes, right now, it probably is. I haven’t explained my idea well enough yet. I haven’t really made my case in the clearest terms. I haven’t answered the critics and the doubters and the skeptics and the haters.
I’ve basically got 30 days. I need to convince a nation. I need to make the American people believe that the food price crisis is serious enough to deserve and demand their urgent attention. And, above all, I need to give them a little hope.
Wish me luck. I’m going to need it. And if you can help me spread the word, please do. Thanks a bundle.

Leo Dirr

May 9, 2008 |

Comments

13 Comments so far

RealWorldMom, Moms May 9, 2008 11:07 am
I’m sorry, Leo, I still haven’t been to your site. Forgive me? I will check it out later, I promise!
toofun, Social May 9, 2008 12:13 pm
No worries, Stace. It’s all good.
Quirkee James May 9, 2008 12:19 pm
This is all very interesting so I’m going to go check it out!
Quirkee James May 9, 2008 12:36 pm
Is there any way I can print the postcard here at home and save the $2.94?
toofun, Social May 9, 2008 1:10 pm
James, I’ve thought of that. But I don’t know how to do it. Does anybody have any ideas?

Obviously, I’m not manufacturing or shipping any of these postcards myself.

I do know a way to get the per-card price down quite a bit, but it would require a lot of interest and a lot of organization. If enough people are interested, I’m willing to do whatever I can to make it work.

The hard part is getting out the word and building interest. I’m open to suggestions.

Leo
Quirkee James May 9, 2008 1:29 pm
Hey Leo, got your message. Thanks! I guess you could encourage people to save the postcard file and print it. I have card stock paper at home so it wouldn’t be an issue for me. I didn’t think about right clicking to save the image for printing.

Also, is there a way to start an email campaign to direct messages directly to the corporate offices of these large chain grocery stores? Managers at the store are usually not the ones who control price points as they are set by the executives to maximize profits during any given week. Products that linger too long on the shelves are subject to price cuts, which the store manager may have some control over. Not knowing the inside scoop I’m just guessing using previous knowledge of retail experience.

I think you are on to something good here, though. To make it happen on a national level in 30 days will take large media outlets to run stories about the cause. Have you contacted any media? If not, start locally and get their attention, then the affiliates will take notice and the ball will start to roll.
Quirkee James May 9, 2008 1:32 pm
Also, this sounds like an uphill battle, As the price of fuel continues to rise then the stores will justify higher prices to keep profits steady and shareholders happy. Tough fight, for sure, but a well deserved one.
toofun, Social May 9, 2008 1:52 pm
Thanks, James.

It sounds like you have a pretty good grasp on how things work. I have given thought to many of your points.

My biggest problem, I think, is media. I tried to drum up attention at the local level first, because I understand how the information channels operate. But I haven’t gotten any nibbles. That’s been the one part that really surprised me, and has set me back.

It’s looking to me like this is going to have to start as a word-of-mouth campaign. And if I can get some good blog buzz going, then maybe, maybe, some of the larger sites, can you say “Shine” — Annette Cardwell, Dory Devlin, can you hear me? — or MSN — hello Donna Freedman — will take an interest. Once they do, the rest of the press would follow, I think.

But right now, it looks to me, like what I need is passionate bloggers. Do you know any?

Leo
Quirkee James May 9, 2008 2:28 pm
You are in the right spot for passionate bloggers.
toofun, Social May 9, 2008 3:01 pm
UPDATE: I just checked my personal e-mail. And there is an information request from a local alternative newspaper about Monalulu. This is cool to me. So, I had to share.
trysh, Crafting May 9, 2008 9:51 pm
Well, I’m one of the guilty ones….I did go and read….and I did find it ‘interesting’ - and now you’ve poked me, and I agree that ‘interesting’ isn’t enough.
Am (promise) going to go and re-read your site to see what is involved with the postcard thing -
…thanks for the poke - just what I need to get me going again!
Quirkee James May 9, 2008 11:30 pm
Leo,

You are starting something very powerful on your end. Not only can it help on the local level but it can have a global effect as well. Have you looked into partnering up with larger organizations that can help you get your word out while they help spread the word of cost reduction for food supplies here and worldwide, like countries in Africa?

Members of my family are deeply involved in mission work in Malawi, Africa - one of the most impoverished places in the world. Your mission for the reduction of food prices can reach more than just our own citizens here.

I’m sure that is something you have thought about but I wanted to mention it here in the comments section instead of a private message to open up the discussion here in the Anthill. From what I have seen on cre8Buzz, there are MANY passionate people here that care more about the world than they do about their Buzz ranking.
toofun, Social May 10, 2008 10:34 am
James,

Yes, I have considered the global food crisis. The fact is, part of the problem in the U.S. is being caused by global demand for certain U.S. food commodities. The commodities markets are quite volatile. I have so much to say, but can’t say it all here.

People in other less fortunate countries might actually be more hungry for my idea than Americans are right now. For example, fellow buzzer Pari. She has taken a good deal of interest in what I’m proposing.

Here is a comment she left for me. I don’t think she would mind me sharing it with others:

this is a good place as any to begin, each person tells at least three other people about it it could start something, I promise to write to my friends in the US about it and I am sure they will pull in others. you have to do a lot of networking request friends to tell other friends. I dont know if it will help but it is a start at least somewhere someone is doing something.

That’s her idea, not mine. I happen to like it.

Leo