Help pass the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act
By Zach Schmidt
I have been passionate about the Global Food Security Act since it was introduced in 2015, but last month I saw its impact firsthand on a trip to Nepal. I saw how lives were transformed because of smart U.S. policy.
The policy will expire this year unless we act. Call (800-826-3688) or email your members of Congress and urge them to co-sponsor the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5129 and S. 2269).
In southwestern Nepal, a women farmers group called Ekata received training through Feed the Future (authorized by the original Global Food Security Act). As a result, their farming operations have grown. In addition to feeding their families more vegetables, they now sell crops to market for profit, strengthening the local economy and generating household income. The group’s chairwoman, Tara Gaywali, told me the training has helped them feel more empowered and has helped them access assistance (such as loans) that had previously been difficult to attain.
The Global Food Security Act supports smallholder farmers, strengthens agricultural businesses, and promotes critical nutrition interventions for mothers and babies in the first 1,000 day window in low-income countries.
Passing the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act will ensure the women of Ekata—and others like them—continue to receive the training and support they need to feed their families and help their communities prosper. Join me in calling on Congress to make sure this work continues.
Zach Schmidt is a senior regional organizer at Bread for the World.
I saw how lives were transformed because of smart U.S. policy.
Tools
from our Resource Library
For Education
U.S. Hunger and Poverty State Fact Sheets
These fact sheets provide a snapshot of hunger and poverty in the United States and in each state plus Washington, D.C.
Briefing Paper: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Nutrition. Assessing USAID's Progress.
Better nutrition is a necessary component of a country’s capacity to achieve development goals such as economic growth and improved public health.
The U.S. Contribution to Ending Global Malnutrition
Worldwide, maternal and child malnutrition causes millions of deaths each year. In some countries, it holds entire generations back from reaching their economic potential.
For Faith
Unity Declaration on Racism and Poverty
A diverse body of Christian leaders calls on the churches and Congress to focus on the integral connection.
Dear Members of Congress,
As the president and Congress are preparing their plans for this year, almost 100 church leaders—from all the families of U.S. Christianity—are...
In Times Like These … A Pan-African Christian Devotional for Public Policy Engagement
This devotional guide invites deepened relationship with and among Pan-African people and elected leaders in the mission to end hunger and poverty.
Sermon by David Beckmann at Duke University Chapel
Remarks delivered October 1, 2017 at Duke University Chapel in Chapel Hill in North Carolina.
Thank you for inviting me to preach here at Duke University Chapel. And I especially want to thank the Bread for the World members who have come this morning.
Bruce Puckett urged...
For Advocacy
Fact Sheet: Why We Need $250 Million for Global Nutrition Programs
Bread for the World and its partners are asking Congress to provide $250 million for global nutrition in the fiscal year 2020 budget.
U.S. Hunger and Poverty State Fact Sheets
These fact sheets provide a snapshot of hunger and poverty in the United States and in each state plus Washington, D.C.
Fact Sheet: Hunger by the Numbers
In 2017, 11.8 percent of households in the U.S.—40 million people—were food-insecure, meaning that they were unsure at some point during the year about how they would provide for their next meal.