Bread For The World

According to a report issued by the organization Bread For The World, the United States had made some progress in building up the resources we now have available to combat the global hunger crisis issue. The report also indicated that although American poverty-focused development assistance has grown and actually tripled since 1999,it is estimated the U.S. as a nation contributes under half of one percent- the equivalent of less than a dollar for every $200- of our federal budget allocated for development assistance.

Bread For The World is making a call to on the Senate and House to strongly consider approving a greater increase in poverty- focused development assistance as we move forward to 2008.

The organization based in Washington, D.C. offers several resources for persons to take immediate action in affecting change in terms of reducing hunger and poverty. Their “90-second letter” outreach, or Offering of Letters recently addressed a call to reform as related to the U.S. Farm Bill in an effort to support rural farmers in the U.S. and in the developing nations. The Senate Agricultural Committee is set to vote on the bill in a few weeks. In the meantime, the public can correspond with their local Senators to get their voices heard to support the passing of a farm bill that will provide reform in relation to the U.S. commodity payment policy, to improve the lives of rural farmers by increasing food stamp benefits, and investing much more in rural communities to assist families in dire need. Calling the Capitol switchboard, or writing a letter will make a tremendous difference as the Senate and house negotiate for an improved farm bill. Bread For The World’s Offering of Letters is an expedient way to take action and get involved in advocacy efforts to influence the vote on the Senate floor. Many people who are at risk for hunger will benefit by the reform which will also promote conservation and develop improved land use. The funding increase is monumentally important as it will provide a more nutritious diet to families receiving food stamps.

Improving the farm bill is not an easy task, yet Bread For The World offers the resources for the public to take action in the most expedient way possible- through letter writing and organizing an Offering of letters. By visiting the organization’s site, tips for letter writing can be accessed easily and quickly, as well as an Annual Report and many other informational resources.