Hunger in Finland? Is there a problem with that in Finland?

(Jeff Elliott, Tampere, Finland)

Answer: There is not a hunger problem in Finland. Here are a few reasons why.

Knowing Finnish history helps answer this question.

Finland is a Republic- In 1918 there was discussion...Should Finland be a Kingdom or Republic? A Kingdom, is a Monarchical form of government, meaning...one person makes the decision for the state/country. The King, as a figurehead may or may not have to work/do anything to contribute to society. No one wants someone to get paid for doing nothing.

This is why Finland never became a Monarchy.

Finnish people want to be considered equal. That is why the Finnish republic rests upon the decisions of voting citizens.

High education in Finland- Tax money goes to government supported institutions. If you are healthy and can work, by all means...go to work. The cost for adult education in Finland is reasonable for the tax-paying citizens.

University is free, there is a small tuition each year, around 200 U.S. dollars. After a loss-of-job there are organization available to help find another job.

--School children get one free warm meal each day for lunch--Like the above picture.

Social System- To make the Finnish social system fair, the Finns decided to copy the values of the social system from Sweden. In Finland, there is high taxation in return for the benefits within the social system. Every citizen is entitled for minimum support from the social security system, for example support for rent, (if you are renting property) based on income, minimum unemployment money for instance, if you get lay-ed off and don't get labor union unemployment money.

There are other sources for social security to help people with low income, like a thing which is called 'get-by' money. Money that helps you literally "Get By"! Again, this is money you can get if you are renting property and your income is low. Not everyone qualifies for this.

Child support- Every family is entitled for child support money, regardless of their income. The amount of child support money is based on the number of children you have. IE. if you have 2 children you get 300 dollars/month.

Basic Health Care- Basic health care is provided. For example. Aura was at the hospital with Rosa when she was a baby and it costs about 90 dollars/night.

If you need a doctor you can get an appointment with health center with a doctor and dental health care is provided for almost free. This is the basic dental care. There are line-ups can be long, but if you have something acute, they take you in immediately.

N.G.O.'s- People who live under the social system in Finland, who are unfortunate, do not starve from lack of food. If they do, there are many Non Government Organizations which give out food to the less fortunate people.

There are food lines, and special soup-lunches provided for the hungry in larger cities by churches. There are associations and volunteers that help supply food for the hungry.

!!-Caution-!! If are in Finland with hunger needs, and are an immigrant to Finland. The social security system in Finland will help you for a brief time with your food needs. If you seek help from the immigration offices, chances are that you will be diverted back to the country of origin.

Jeff Elliott