Thanksgiving: A Historical Reflection and Modern Implications
Tomorrow, the United States will observe Thanksgiving, a uniquely American harvest festival that not only celebrates the earth’s bounty but also prepares us for the winter months ahead. The roots of this holiday trace back to a documented gathering in 1621 between English Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag tribe in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The Pilgrims’ Journey
Fleeing religious persecution in England, the Pilgrims embarked on a treacherous voyage across the Atlantic. After initially landing in Provincetown, they realized the sandy soil was not conducive to agriculture and made their way to Plymouth. The first winter proved catastrophic, as harsh conditions and scurvy decimated their ranks, with half of the settlers not surviving to see the warmth of Spring.
Harvest and Gratitude
The subsequent year brought slight improvements, but life remained challenging for the Pilgrims. Farming is inherently fraught with uncertainties, largely dependent on unpredictable weather conditions. I grew up near Plymouth, so I can attest to the capricious nature of the climate. Yet, that year, they managed to harvest successfully, prompting a traditional gathering to give thanks and share their spoils.
From Tradition to Modern Day
The essence of harvest festivals has evolved into our modern Thanksgiving celebration, yet the issue of hunger persists. Numerous regulations diminish access to fresh produce and healthy foods. For instance, arbitrary sell-by dates contribute to considerable food waste, while subsidies favor corn and impose tariffs on sugar, leading to unhealthy additives in our diets. Furthermore, food price supports create inflated prices. Municipal regulations often hinder charities from distributing food. By reassessing these regulations, we could enhance food access, lower costs, and reduce waste.
Addressing Hunger Today
In a recent post on EconLog, Daniel Smith highlighted how the FDA has historically been wielded against whiskey manufacturers. He references Jack High and Clayton Coppin, the authors of The Politics of Purity, which expands on these regulatory themes to encompass our entire food chain (kudos to Econlib editor Pat Lynch for the recommendation).
Thanksgiving’s Dual Nature
As we gather to celebrate our abundance, we must acknowledge that many will go without on a day meant for gratitude. I do not intend to downplay their suffering or that of others globally who struggle to meet basic needs. The battle against hunger is ongoing. However, it is also necessary to recognize the significant progress made in reducing hunger in recent decades.
Celebrating Abundance
The meaning of Thanksgiving has shifted; food insecurity is less of a pressing concern for many. Consequently, the day has morphed into a celebration of personal blessings. Millions will traverse the country to connect with friends and family, reveling in our extraordinary abundance. Remarkably, less than 2% of American workers are engaged in agriculture, yet we can still access the food we need. In times of drought or crop failure, we can import food from other regions or countries to prevent widespread hunger. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, only a fraction, less than 2.5%, of Americans suffer from malnutrition. We celebrate these blessings together.
Wishing You a Safe Thanksgiving
To those traveling, may your journeys be safe, and may you find comfort and joy in the company of loved ones, no matter where you are in the world. Let us appreciate the peace and security that our shared abundance provides.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
[1] A note on the data from the source: “The FAO reports all values below 2.5% as ‘<2.5%’ due to high uncertainty at very low levels of undernourishment.”
