Heifer International Celebrates 70th Anniversary by Launching "Beyond Hunger: Communities of Change" Campaign to Support Family Farmers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Heifer International is proud to celebrate its 70^th Anniversary during the United Nations-recognized International Year of Family Farming, a time designated to honor the importance of family farming in reducing poverty and improving global food security. In recognition of this milestone anniversary, Heifer International is choosing to demonstrate support for family farmers around the world with the "Beyond Hunger: Communities of Change" public event series held across the U.S. in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Sacramento, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta, among other cities.

The "Beyond Hunger: Communities of Change" initiative begins on March 22^nd at Heifer Village in Little Rock, AR, and includes interactive events for attendees, information about how to help end hunger and poverty, and opportunities to learn about why family farmers are the solution. The nationwide events end in Boston, MA, on November 2^nd and include engaging speakers, photo exhibits, screenings of a trailer for an upcoming documentary about Heifer's work worldwide, and opportunities to get up close and personal with farm animals such as chicken, goats, llama and sheep.

"This is the year the rest of the world takes notice of the 600 million smallholder farmers and herders, and the timing couldn't be more critical—there are currently 870 million people around the world struggling with hunger and we know smallholder farmers are the solution," said Pierre Ferrari, President and CEO of Heifer International. "We are proud of Heifer International's success over the last 70 years, but there's still much more work to do—with Beyond Hunger: Communities of Change, our aim is to actively engage Americans to become part of the social change that can help us end hunger and poverty once and for all."

The year 2014 marks 70 years of Heifer International's impact in more than 125 countries and through 20.7 million families. Since 1944, Heifer International has proudly partnered with more than 105.1 million people in countries around the world to improve their quality of life. A recognized leader in smallholder agriculture, Heifer is working in 30 countries—from Nepal to the United States—to empower family farmers, especially women, to learn sustainable agriculture practices, increase their family's nutrition and income, and contribute to community and economic development. For years, the organization has encouraged families to Pass on the Gift® of self-reliance to others, ensuring that these positive changes last for generations.

For more information and a full list of events and activities, visit, www.heifer.org/communities.

About Heifer International:
Heifer International's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. For 70 years, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 30 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org, read our blog, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or call 1-800-696-1918.

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SOURCE Heifer International