One in nine people around the world suffer from chronic hunger — that regulates them to an unyielding cycle of poverty and hopelessness. Generation after generation, children go to bed with an empty stomach not knowing when their next meal will be.
Breaking this cycle of poverty is within our grasp. The Global Food Security Act, which was recently introduced in Congress, will combat chronic hunger head-on by investing in small holder farmers, especially women. This investment will help them improve farming techniques, expand their access to markets where they can sell their produce, and learn to build resilience to droughts, climate change, and conflict.
Dear Member of Congress,
In a world in which nearly 795 million people — one in every nine — grapples with the challenge of hunger on a daily basis, and with millions more vulnerable to emergencies because of drought or conflict in places like Syria, it is imperative that global food security is prioritized by Congress. As a constituent who cares about ending global hunger, I ask that you co-sponsor bi-partisan legislation — the Global Food Security Act (HR 1567 in the House of Representatives and S 1252 in the Senate).
This bill will build upon the progress already made through Feed the Future by developing a whole-of-government strategy that supports country ownership, builds resilience of communities as well as enhances nutrition and food security. Feed the Future supports creating inclusive markets and resilient communities that have the ability to become self-sufficient in the long-term. Importantly, the bill includes reporting requirements that require the Administration to report to Congress and to the American people annually about the strategy, the US government’s efforts to combat hunger, and the use of foreign assistance funds.
In addition to co-sponsoring this bill, I would urge you to push for the speedy passage of HR 1567/S. 1252 in this Congress and ensure that the final bill sent to the President includes a strong focus on gender equality, inclusive markets and resilient communities. If we are to tackle global hunger and ensure aid effectiveness, Congress must support efforts to build the capacity of communities to prepare for, cope with and recover from disasters or crises such as droughts, floods or other economic shocks.
Thank you in advance for your support in making global food security a Congressional priority and taking this first important step in addressing the underlying causes of global hunger.
Sincerely,
