The GFSA will ensure that smallholder farmers, particularly women, are empowered to feed their families and communities.
WASHINGTON, DC (April 20, 2016) — The global poverty-fighting organization CARE celebrates the unanimous passage today of the Global Food Security Act (S. 1252) by the U.S. Senate, marking a landmark moment as both chambers have passed their versions of bill. The bill is an important step forward in the fight to end hunger and build just and sustainable food systems.
The Global Food Security Act requires a comprehensive global food and nutrition security strategy that places women at the center of the fight to end hunger and leverages taxpayer dollars by coordinating U.S. global food security programing. The bill is a zero-cost bill that demands sustainability from existing global food security programs.
The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill (H.R. 1567) earlier this week.
The Senate and House passed bills have some small differences, and CARE calls on Congress to work together to get this important legislation across the finish line.
“Through an effective, transparent and sustainable approach, this bill will ensure that smallholder farmers – and women in particular – are empowered to feed their families and their own communities,” said David Ray, vice president for Advocacy at CARE. “This bill being passed by both chambers shows broad bipartisan support and commitment to addressing global hunger. We urge the House and Senate to work together toward a common bill that can be sent to the President’s desk to become law.”
The Global Food Security Act will improve U.S. programs, including the Feed the Future initiative, in order to support sustainable and equitable agricultural development, reduce global hunger and improve nutrition.
About CARE
Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package®, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside women and girls because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. That’s why women and girls are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve education and health, create economic opportunity, respond to emergencies and confront hunger. Last year CARE worked in 95 countries and reached more than 65 million people around the world. To learn more, visit www.care.org.
Media Contacts
Brian Feagans, bfeagans@care.org; 404-979-9453
Nicole Harris, nharris@care.org, 404-735-0871