Food Prices and Crises

Whenever we have a crisis somewhere in the world (which is most of the time), reporters invariably inform us that whilst people are in danger of starving to death, local market stalls are piled high with food that no-one can afford to buy.
You do not need to have studied the basic principles of Economics to know that this is a nonsense.

When you look at the sorts of food on offer in these markets, it is perfectly clear that, for the most part, they are perishables. Clearly it is in no one's interest for this food to be allowed to rot. Basic forces of supply and demand will ensure that these markets are cleared. In other words, if people cannot afford to buy the food at the initial price on offer, the price will fall until they are able to afford it. It is not in the interests of the stall-holder to throw away food without some payment to at least cover his/her variable costs.

This is not in any way to undermine the important issues regarding malnutrition and poor health in these areas of crisis, but please can we have honest reporting by people who really should have some basic understanding of economics.