Bread for the World Welcomes Food for Peace Modernization Act
Washington, D.C. – Bread for the World today welcomed introduction of bipartisan food aid reform legislation. The Food for Peace Modernization Act, introduced by Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Chris Coons (D-DE), and Representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), would bring lifesaving food aid to millions more people, faster and more efficiently.
“With a growing number of famines and hunger crises around the world, it is imperative we continue to find ways for our international food aid to reach as many people as possible,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “This bill does that, without any additional funding needed.”
If enacted, the legislation would give the U.S. Agency for International Development the flexibility to use cash, vouchers, or locally purchased food when one of those options would be faster and more effective in helping hungry people in need.
The legislation would also eliminate monetization, a slow and costly process, where the U.S. provides NGOs with food that they must arrange to ship and then sell in developing countries to raise funds for their programs.
Bread for the World believes that ending hunger in our lifetimes is possible, but many challenges remain. Across 45 countries, some 76 million people will require emergency food assistance in 2018, 60 percent more than in 2015. Chronic hunger has also increased, with nearly 815 million people struggling with food insecurity every day.
“We look forward to working with members of both parties to ensure that U.S. international food aid reaches more of the people who need it, when they need it most,” said Beckmann.
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