Bipartisan group of Senators reaffirm US commitment to fighting rising food insecurity ahead of World Food Day
15 October 2021, Washington, DC – The United States Senate unanimously passed a two-year Senate Resolution, S.Res.414, which designates October 16, 2021 and 2022, as 'World Food Day', and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The resolution was championed and co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)
Each year, the United States joins the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for all who suffer from hunger, to promote healthy diets and build better agri-food systems. World Food Day also commemorates the founding of FAO on October 16, 1945. In 2020, 811 million people suffered from hunger and 3 billion people could not afford healthy diets. The World Food Day resolution is both a recognition of these coinciding issues and a call-to-action to continue the important work of building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems.
“As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important we reaffirm our country’s commitment to fighting food insecurity,” said Senator Coons. “In addition to providing life-saving food assistance, we must also work to build a more resilient and sustainable global food system that protects vulnerable people at home and abroad.”
“No one should have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from. This important work has never been more urgent, as the global pandemic forced millions more people around the world into poverty and food insecurity,” said Senator Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a former Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. “As the climate crisis worsens, investments in food security and food system resilience are not just a moral imperative, but economic and strategic ones as well. World Food Day gives us a chance to not only acknowledge these concerns, but work toward meaningful ways to address them.”
“Now more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to invest in resilient and sustainable food systems,” said Senator Stabenow. “It is unacceptable that anyone should experience hunger. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency to address the hunger crisis that has touched so many families across the world.”
“The pandemic highlighted the global hunger crisis and reinvigorated our responsibility to provide greater food security in our local communities and in towns, cities and villages around the world,” said Senator Moran. “The call to feed the world has been answered by many Kansans, who are taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need. As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that combatting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do both for Kansas producers and for global security.”
“World Food Day serves as a call to action, a reminder of our responsibility to help those in need, and an opportunity to recognize the many who have stepped up to champion the fight to end hunger and malnutrition around the globe and in our individual communities,” said Senator Boozman. “If we truly want to end world hunger, the U.S. must pledge to continue our leadership efforts on the global stage. We introduced this resolution to not only highlight World Food Day, but to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the goals behind the designation of this day. I am pleased the Senate quickly united alongside our effort.”
"FAO North America appreciates the United States' longstanding and consistent leadership in addressing global hunger and building resilience in global agri-food systems,” said Jocelyn Brown Hall, Director of the FAO Liaison Office for North America. “World Food Day and these resolutions highlight the challenges and solutions associated with the establishment of more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agri-food systems. These collective efforts are a step towards ensuring a food-secure world where no one is left behind."
The full text of the resolution can be foundhere.
To learn more about what you can do to promote healthy diets for a hunger-free world and celebrate World Food Day, please visit http://www.fao.org/world-food-day.