Recently I was researching the pervasive health and social problems resulting from hunger in America. The statistics are quite shocking and difficult to digest.  We are one of the richest countries in the world, but according to the CDC, over 50 million Americans suffer from hunger, 1 in 6 of the U.S. population, including more than 1 in 5 children.  Every fifth child goes hungry. For many, hunger has become a way of life. The most vulnerable, children and seniors, suffer the most.

In the Food section of the San Francisco Chronicle, an article on a new Japanese restaurant caught my eye. It offers an appetizer of Beluga caviar and Pacific Spiny Lobster Sashimi decorated with 24KT gold leaf, aptly named DECADENCE, for $1,200. Yes, twelve hundred dollars. Next is the Wagyu Beef 3 Ways (American, Australian, Japanese) Sampler for $400. The menu goes on to state that 20% gratuity is added to parties of 5 or more. I’m sure the tab for a party of six including drinks, dessert, and taxes would top $5,000. And within a mile, children and seniors may have nothing to eat. Decadence indeed.