IMHO we can cure the problem of lack of food easier than we can cure the presence of 'poverty'.
Once again, this is my *opinion* only:
While I am certain the book is probably very well-intentioned, to attempt to deflect the point of attention off of food, which we can *all* do something about, to money, which we and our loved ones would immediately be in trouble without and can all do *less* about, sounds too much like a reason to do *nothing*.
What great food for thought, though :-), while I'm planting that garden...:-)