Advocate

The U.S. Government and Global Hunger

In 2009, President Obama announced an unprecedented and transformative presidential initiative to address global hunger. Known as the Feed the Future Initiative, this effort focuses on the world’s poorest, most food-insecure countries. For more than 50 years, the U.S. government has led the global community in responding to emergency hunger. With the development of Feed the Future, the U.S. government now has a comprehensive strategy that also includes nutrition programs, safety nets and agricultural development, all of which are needed to address the short, intermediate and long-term impacts of hunger.

At the heart of the administration’s initiative is the development of comprehensive food security plans within target countries. These countries have been chosen because they are among the poorest in the world and also have a strong commitment to advancing their development. Through this initiative, target countries are required to consult broadly with nonprofit organizations, farmers groups, universities and many other stakeholders in the development of their comprehensive country plans. Once robust plans are finalized, Feed the Future will help fund the implementation of these plans along with other international donors.

If Feed the Future is successful, we will see far fewer hungry people in many of the world’s poorest countries in the years to come. Imagine a family on its small farm struggling to earn enough to feed itself and meet its basic needs. Over the long-term, Feed the Future will increase that family’s ability to grow crops and connect that increased productivity to market opportunities. While that process is unfolding and until that family is self-sufficient, Feed the Future will help ensure access to nutrition programs, school meals and other vital interventions.