WASHINGTON (April 24, 2024) On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved a supplemental emergency appropriations package that includes urgently-needed humanitarian relief, including food security funds that are desperately needed to address ongoing global food crises. The package – negotiated as a series of bills in the House of Representatives following passage in the Senate – was given final approval in the Senate and is expected to be signed by the President today.
“This humanitarian funding has been a long time coming and is vital for the continued fight against the global food crisis,” stated Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger. “While we are thankful for Congress’ passage of these funds, we are acutely aware of the pressing need to ensure these funds are utilized effectively as quickly as possible. Over 200 million people around the world are facing severe hunger right now. They cannot wait for further delays.”
The supplemental package includes $5.7 billion for International Disaster Assistance, $3.5 billion for Migration and Refugee Assistance, and $50 million for food security through the Economic Support Fund.
The Alliance to End Hunger and coalition partners have been vigorously advocating for these supplemental funds since the fall of 2023 following the President’s request to Congress – submitting a letter to House and Senate Appropriations leadership in September and organizing a number of congressional meetings educating Congress on the urgent need for a response to increasing food crises.
“The writing on the wall has been clear for some time: conflict has been a major and increasing driver of hunger and malnutrition,” states Mitchell. “While we are truly thankful for this latest Congressional action, we all need to be prepared for the fact that these global crises are not going away any time soon. The United States needs to be steadfast in remaining a global leader in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. The Alliance will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure this remains the case.”
