From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

A perfect storm is increasing global hunger.

Hello again, I'm Orin Alany, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International, a daily look at the issues.

Americans care about most. Food prices are reaching levels never seen before. At the same time, the number of

needy people is rising. Food riots have already occurred around the world, and the World Bank

predicts political and social unrest over food in 30 to 40 countries. On to the point, the UN's

World Food Program spends $3 billion but needs $500 million more just to keep up.

With food prices increasing as demand goes up, we'll look at the new face of worldwide hunger.

What does the drive for biofuels have to do with it?

On reporter's notebook letter, is the FAA too cozy with the airlines it's supposed to regulate?

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio International Program Fund,

whose contributors include the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation.

Hello again. Warman Alney back with To the Point. The Head of the World Bank says children as young as

four or five are fleeing the safety of their rural communities to fight for food in teeming cities.

On To the Point, food riots are happening already with more predicted in 30 to 40 countries.

One problem is switch from food production to biofuels.

We'll hear about the global emergency of world hunger.

On reporter's notebook, whistleblowers tell Congress about what they say is FAA favoritism

toward Southwest Airlines.

Are U.S. airliners as safe as they should be?

First is news update. The Senate's bipartisan compromise on the housing crisis is up for debate.

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