COVID-19 Could Cause Extreme Hunger to Double
Washington, D.C. – Today, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) released a report outlining the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted that the number of people facing extreme hunger could double unless swift action is taken. Currently, 135 million people globally face extreme hunger, what the WFP and others call “acute food insecurity.” That number could soar to 265 million by the end of 2020. Ambassador David Beasley, executive director of the WFP, this morning urged the United Nations Security Council to take action.
“Beasley confirmed what we have been warning – the COVID-19 health crisis is becoming a global hunger and humanitarian crisis,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “The U.S. must join with other countries around the world to respond to this global pandemic and its economic fall-out.
Bread for the World is urging Congress to expand health and humanitarian programs, strengthen the global food supply chain and social protection programs, and allow U.S. funded school feeding programs around the world to serve children while schools are closed.
As many as 370 million children are not receiving nutritious school meals, reducing their resistance to illness. “Better nutrition for mothers and children is more important than ever,” said Beckmann.
“Now is the time to heed God’s call to care for the ‘least among us’ (Matthew 25:40). The world has made dramatic progress against hunger in recent decades. But progress has stalled in recent years, and hunger is now surging all over the world,” added Beckmann. “Congress must address this crisis by increasing SNAP food assistance in the U.S. and international aid to help developing countries cope with COVID-19 and its economic consequences.”
Tools
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For Education
Election Resources
One of the best times to raise the issues of hunger and poverty is during election campaigns. Engage candidates in your state/district on hunger and poverty using our elections resources.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.
Conflict and Fragility Are Hunger Issues
Conflict is a main driver of the recent increase in hunger around the world and of forced migration. Hunger also contributes to conflict.
For Faith
The Bible on Health as a Hunger Issue
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Unity Declaration on Racism and Poverty
A diverse body of Christian leaders calls on the churches and Congress to focus on the integral connection.
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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.
For Advocacy
Fact Sheet: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to respond to changes in need, making it well suited to respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fact Sheet: Why We Need $200 Million for Global Nutrition Programs
Bread for the World and its partners are asking Congress to provide $200 million for global nutrition in the fiscal year 2020 budget.
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.