WASHINGTON (December 16, 2022). The Alliance to End Hunger applauds the passage of the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act (GFSA) and other food and nutrition security provisions through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NDAA passed the Senate late on Thursday evening, and will now head to the President’s office for signature.
“Reauthorizing GFSA has been a top priority for the Alliance,” stated Eric Mitchell, Executive Director of the Alliance to End Hunger. “The world is facing a global food crisis brought about by a number of factors including the convergence of extreme weather and climate shocks, the disruption of food supply chains, and continuing conflicts worldwide, like the war in Ukraine. Despite these challenges, this action by Congress demonstrates our commitment to achieving global food and nutrition security. I commend our members and partners for their contributions to push this bill across the finish line.”
A whole-of-government initiative led by the U.S. Agency for International Development and Department of State, reauthorization of GFSA reauthorizes the Feed the Future initiative for another five years, which will continue to strengthen global food security through improved agricultural productivity and poverty reduction.
In addition to GFSA, the NDAA legislation also includes provisions to address hunger among military families in the United States. Chief among these provisions is the extension of the Basic Needs Allowance to active-duty military families with gross household incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty line – up from 130% previously. This will enable more military members to access needed nutritional support in the face of growing military hunger challenges. The Alliance especially commends member organization MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, for its crucial leadership on the issues of military hunger.
“It is deeply encouraging to see policymakers prioritizing food and nutrition security in a bipartisan manner,” stated Mitchell. “It is also a great testament to the incredible leadership and success of our broad coalition. I look forward to our continued work together as we look towards the new year.”
