WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a leader in efforts to combat hunger in the United States and across the world, joined Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to introduce a resolution designating October 16, 2023 and 2024 World Food Day and recommitting to fighting hunger in the face of rising food insecurity around the world. 

In 2022, an estimated 783 million people across the world experienced hunger. Of that 783 million, 2.3 million were severely food insecure Americans. The World Food Day resolution recognizes the important role that the United States plays in combating hunger worldwide and promotes further action to help people suffering from hunger and malnutrition. 

“Malnutrition and food insecurity impact millions in the United States and around the world, representing not only a threat to individuals but also to global stability when weaponized, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has amid an unjustified, brutal war against Ukraine,” said Boozman. “America’s farmers and ranchers, as well as countless humanitarian organizations, work incredibly hard to close the gap and make our international leadership in combating hunger possible. World Food Day serves as a reminder to us and our allies that we must be united in this cause and double down on efforts to make our food supply more resilient and robust.”

“At a time when climate change, conflict, and economic volatility affect food systems globally, it is crucial that the United States reaffirms our commitment to fighting food insecurity,” said Coons. “In addition to providing lifesaving food assistance, we must also work to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global agri-food system that protects vulnerable people at home and abroad.”

“The most fundamental human need we can meet is providing food for the hungry,” said Moran. “The war in Ukraine highlighted the ongoing global hunger crisis and reinvigorated our responsibility to provide greater food security both at home and around the world. The call to feed the world has been answered by many Kansans, who are taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that combating 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." 

“It is unacceptable that anyone should experience hunger,” said Stabenow. “The climate crisis, armed conflicts, and the residual economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the urgency to address the hunger crisis that has touched so many families worldwide. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to invest in resilient and sustainable food systems.”

U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Boozman has authored and advanced policies to strengthen food security including legislation to providing funding and flexibility for children to access healthy meals year-round. Boozman also serves as co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus. He has been recognized for his leadership to combat hunger as the recipient of the Congressional Hunger Center’s Bill Emerson & Mickey Leland Hunger Leadership Award. 

Each year, the United States joins more than 130 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’s World Food Day theme is “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.” World Food Day also commemorates the founding of the FAO.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.