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Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), and Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) today announced introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate October 16 as World Food Day. Each year, the United States joins 130 other nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from chronic hunger.

“For far too many families in Maine, across the country, and across the world, simply putting enough food on the table is a challenge. With hunger and malnutrition rates on the rise, World Food Day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness to this global issue and inspire action for the future of our planet and food system,” said Congresswoman Pingree, co-chair of the House Food Recovery Caucus. “I’m proud to once again introduce this bipartisan resolution to designate October 16th as World Food Day and reaffirm our commitment to increasing access to healthy food, reducing food waste, and acknowledging the scale of the hunger crisis. The United States has a critical role in the global fight against hunger and I hope this resolution will inspire my colleagues in Congress to support programs and policies that strengthen food security around the globe.”

“No one should go hungry in today’s world,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Unfortunately, hundreds of millions of people suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition. The ability to feed one’s family is essential to human dignity, and hunger increases the chance of conflict if it is not addressed. I am proud to co-lead the World Food Day resolution to advance the fight against global hunger.”’

“This resolution reaffirms that America must lead the world in the struggle against hunger and malnutrition,” said Congressman McGovern. “We live in a world of plenty where it is possible for us to grow enough healthy food for everyone. Yet close to a billion people around the world are impacted by hunger. Programs like the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program, Feed the Future, Food for Peace, the Maternal and Child Nutrition Program, Food for Progress, and our own hunger safety net here at home are key to ending hunger. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to find new, innovative ways to solve this problem. Food is a fundamental human right for all people, and we have a moral obligation to act.”

In 2022, as many as 783 million people across the world suffered from hunger. WorldFood Day is an official United Nations holiday which seeks to build awareness and spur action towards addressing hunger, encouraging healthy diets, and building better agricultural and food systems. World Food Day also commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on October 16, 1945. The FAO is the leading international technical agency on agriculture and food and has a long history of partnerships with the U.S. government, and American private sector and non-profit entities to promote a healthier world. 

Companion resolution has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). 

“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 Senator 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 Senator 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 Senator 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.”

“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 Senator 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.”

To learn more about World Food Day, visit FAO’s World Food Day site.

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