Alliance Supports Introduction of U.S. Global Food Security Legislation
August 5, 2014
Update: The “Statement of Support for U.S. Global Food Security Legislation” added 7 organizations following the issuing of this release, raising the total number of signatories to 68.
The Alliance to End Hunger strongly supports the introduction and passage of legislation that would continue and bolster U.S. leadership in global food security and nutrition. A “Statement of Support for U.S. Global Food Security Legislation” was signed by 61 organizations, including 22 members of the Alliance to End Hunger, spanning a multitude of sectors—including private, non-profit, advocacy, and development organizations.
Drafted by the non-governmental organization (NGO) coalition InterAction, the Statement of Support calls for a legislated strategy that:
- Supports country ownership;
- Emphasizes the important role of small-scale producers and local food economies; and
- Prioritizes sustainable agricultural development, improving nutrition, gender equality and female empowerment, building the resilience of communities, safety nets vulnerable food insecure populations, environmental protection, capacity building, research, and civil society engagement.
It is estimated that more than 840 million people around the world are chronically hungry, with hunger contributing to nearly half of deaths of children under the age of 5. The Statement of Support cited the work of the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future, which is currently investing in food security and agricultural development policies and programs in 19 focus countries in the developing world; and calls for continued commitment to an inclusive and transparent approach to fighting hunger internationally.
“During my time in the U.S. Congress and as an ambassador, I was reminded again and again of the essential role our country can and should play in promoting a food secure world,” stated Amb. Tony Hall, Executive Director Emeritus of the Alliance to End Hunger. “I am heartened by such strong support for action across so many sectors. We all have a stake in addressing hunger around the world, as this letter makes clear.”
The “Statement of Support for U.S. Global Food Security Legislation” asks for a bipartisan push to introduce legislation in September, and states the commitment of the signatories to work with Congress and the administration to achieve this. The Statement is public, and can be viewed on InterAction’s website.
