The first months of 2024 have been trying for many of us. We find ourselves amidst unprecedented levels of hunger worldwide. It’s evident from the latest headlines that the threat of hunger looms over every region. Left unaddressed, this threat breeds instability, desperation, and untold suffering across the globe. Despite these incredible challenges, the Alliance to End Hunger has also made incredible progress, of which I am sincerely proud.
Just in the past week, Congress passed a budget that fully funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and avoids potential waitlist and benefit disruptions for millions of U.S. mothers and children The Alliance has also engaged in new partnerships with organizations representing populations exceptionally susceptible to hunger and malnutrition – welcoming the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Clean Slate Initiative as two of our newest members. These members will bolster our coalition’s ability to highlight and address hunger as a healthcare issue and a key vulnerability of recently incarcerated individuals and their families.
But there is much work to be done. The war in Ukraine continues to put strain on global food systems, and Gaza is facing a hunger catastrophe rivaling anywhere else in the world. Severe food insecurity continues to plague populations in places such as Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and Haiti. That is why we are pushing for additional funding to address the global food crisis, and we will continue to work with Congress to pass a Farm Bill that protects and bolsters food security programs both domestically and abroad.
While I am confident that we will prevail this year, I know that none of this can be accomplished without the dedication of our members. On behalf of the Alliance team, I thank you for all your efforts.
