WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) today recognized World Food Day and recommitted to fighting hunger in the face of unprecedented levels of food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The senators sponsored Senate Resolution 365, which designated October 16, 2020 as World Food Day and passed the Senate unanimously last year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the global hunger crisis, with the United Nations estimating that rising food costs and widespread unemployment could push an additional 130 million people into chronic hunger by 2020. Even before the pandemic, nearly 700 million people suffered from hunger. 

“The call to feed the world has been answered by so many Kansans, who are taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need,” said Sen. Moran. “Today on World Food Day 2020, we are reminded of our responsibility to help those in need in our own communities and in towns, cities and villages all around the world. As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that fighting 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.”

“At home and abroad, we’ve seen a sharp rise in food insecurity during the pandemic,” said Sen. Coons. “I’m grateful for the work of so many in Delaware – from our farmers, to school lunch workers, to folks working in food pantries and nonprofits – who are helping provide food to families who need it most. I will continue fighting for resources for the programs that are providing emergency assistance to our world’s most vulnerable populations, and that support resiliency in our food and agricultural systems.”  

“As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am proud to have joined my colleagues in support of this resolution,” said Sen. Boozman. “Observing this day raises awareness of America’s important efforts to stamp out world hunger. Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes U.S. leadership. That is why the Senate Hunger Caucus not only seeks to find vehicles to bring focus to the plight of those suffering from food insecurity, but solutions that bring upon meaningful change as well. There is a great deal of work to be done, but the theme of this year’s World Food Day serves as a guide as we work to achieve that goal.”

Each year, the United States joins 150 other countries and 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 malnutrition. This year also commemorates the 75^th anniversary of the FAO, established in Hot Springs, Virginia on October 16, 1945.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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