The amount of corn needed to produce a full tank of gas for an SUV is enough to feed a person for a whole year.
The 2008 World Development Report “Agriculture for Development†provides a compelling example of the food-for-fuel debate: over 240 kilograms (or 528 pounds) of corn – enough to feed one person for a whole year – is required to produce the 26 gallons, or 100 liters of ethanol needed to fill the gas tank of a modern sports utility vehicle.
Source: World Bank: Africa – Rising Food Prices Spell Hunger for Millions Across Africa.