CARE Urges Passage of Global Food Security Act; Commends Bipartisan Support in Both Senate and House

Legislation would establish a comprehensive global food security strategy and enable food aid to reach people faster and cost less money, saving both lives and taxpayer dollars

WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the humanitarian organization CARE applauds the United States' leadership in addressing long-term solutions to global hunger.  CARE commends Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) for holding this important hearing.  As bipartisan support builds in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives to create a global food security strategy, CARE stresses the need for a flexible approach to food aid and encourages the passage of the Global Food Security Act this Congress.

"The time is right," said CARE President and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle.  "Momentum is building in support of U.S. leadership on global food security.  Congress and the Obama Administration must seize this opportunity to come together and act now."

CARE supports provisions in the legislation that allow flexibility in emergency food assistance, including buying food locally and regionally as well as non-food aid such as cash vouchers and safety-net programs.  This would allow food aid to reach recipients faster and in a more cost-effective manner, saving both lives and taxpayer dollars.

"Transporting food from the United States to hungry people in developing countries is expensive, slow and unpredictable -- it does not make sense to spend 65 cents of every dollar in food aid on processing and transportation," said Dr. Gayle.  

CARE places special emphasis on investing in women and girls' empowerment, which has been demonstrated to benefit families and move entire communities out of poverty.  Passage of the Global Food Security Act will help enable women farmers to access the necessary tools, skills and financial resources to feed their families and get their crops to local markets.  

CARE stands ready to work with members of the Senate, House of Representatives and the Obama Administration to ensure the United States continues to take a leadership role in establishing a comprehensive global food security strategy.

"We cannot wait for the next food crisis to act," urged Dr. Gayle. "Let's act now, on behalf of the billion people around the world -- mostly women and children -- who are suffering from hunger and malnutrition."

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the world's largest humanitarian aid agencies. Working side by side with poor people in 72 countries, CARE helps empower communities to address the greatest threats to their survival. Women are at the heart of CARE's efforts to improve health, education, and economic development because experience shows that a woman's achievements yield dramatic benefits for her entire family. CARE is also committed to providing lifesaving assistance during times of crisis and helping rebuild safer, stronger communities afterward. Go to www.care.org to learn more.

SOURCE CARE