Famine is a shortage of food. Famines can be localized or can spread over huge geographical areas. They can be temporary or of long duration and can vary in degree of severity. Famine is caused by natural disaster, drought, extreme poverty, war, and other calamaties. There continues to be much hunger and suffering from famine in the world. Therefore, members of the Church are asked to be mindful of the needy in their areas as well as throughout the world. Famine can be alleviated as individuals and families follow these Church teachings:

•	Fully observe the monthly fast day and contribute a generous offering.
•	Maintain a year’s supply of food for your family.
•	Do not waste food, water, or other precious resources.
•	Plant a garden, raise animals, and produce a part of what you consume.

"The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to prophets and stored at least a year’s supply of survival food" (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Jan. 1974, 69).

"This is a part of our religion—to lay up stores and provide for ourselves and for the surrounding country; for the day is near when they will come by thousands and by millions, with their fineries, to get a little bread" (Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, 5:163).