WASHINGTON, DC (March 25, 2015) — World Vision welcomes the introduction of the Global Food Security Act of 2015 (H.R. 1567) as a key step forward in the fight against hunger and malnutrition worldwide. The bill was championed with bipartisan leadership from Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Betty McCollum (D-MN). It provides a comprehensive strategy to tackle the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, which rob children of their chance at a healthy start to life.
Globally, one in nine people don’t have enough to eat and 3.1 million children die needlessly each year from malnutrition. Millions more experience health problems and stunted physical and mental development throughout their lives due to a lack of nutritious food.
“We know the nutrition children receive in their first 1,000 days sets the stage for the rest of their lives in terms of their health and achievement,” said Robert Zachritz, World Vision’s vice president of advocacy and government relations. “Stepping forward with proven programs and a comprehensive approach is an investment for the next generation and the best way to bring about long-term food security.”
The Act builds upon the successes of the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, which has already shown impressive results in tackling hunger. In 2013 alone, the program provided nutritious food to 12.5 million children and helped support nearly seven million farmers with new technologies and management practices.
H.R. 1567 includes a comprehensive strategy to combat hunger and malnutrition in developing countries by focusing on sustainable solutions, including:
- Increasing training, tools and education for smallholder farmers so they can better provide for their families and break the cycle of poverty.
- Focusing on improving nutrition – especially in the key first 1,000 days of a child’s life – to set the next generation up for lifelong success.
- Coordinating efforts across all U.S. government agencies to make sure no effort is wasted.
- Promoting accountability and ownership for countries receiving aid to ensure sustainability.
- Improving upon existing monitoring and evaluation practices to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars are used in the most efficient and effective way possible to help those in need.
“The time to act is now. We applaud the leadership of Representatives Smith and McCollum and call on Congress and the Administration to work together to pass this important legislation,” Zachritz said.
– END –
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.
Highlights
- Act provides a comprehensive strategy for long-term food security, increases accountability.
- Each year 3.1 million children die of preventable causes linked to malnutrition.