[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 703 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 703

 Supporting the designation of October 16, 2021, and October 16, 2022, 
                         as ``World Food Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 5, 2021

    Ms. Pingree (for herself, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Newhouse, and Mrs. 
Walorski) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                   Committee on Oversight and Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the designation of October 16, 2021, and October 16, 2022, 
                         as ``World Food Day''.

Whereas hunger and malnutrition are daily facts of life for hundreds of millions 
        of people around the world;
Whereas women and children suffer the most serious effects of hunger and 
        malnutrition;
Whereas millions of children die each year from hunger-related illness and 
        disease;
Whereas many people suffer permanent physical or mental impairment because of 
        vitamin or protein deficiencies;
Whereas the severity and frequency of food insecurity rose over the course of 
        2020, represented by--

    (1) an increase of 148,000,000 people experiencing severe food 
insecurity in 2020 as compared to 2019;

    (2) a total of 928,000,000 people, or 12 percent of the global 
population, experiencing food insecurity; and

    (3) the 720,000,000 to 811,000,000 people who faced hunger in 2020;

Whereas the United States has a long tradition of demonstrating humanitarian 
        concern for the hungry and malnourished people of the world;
Whereas there is a growing concern in the United States and other countries 
        about threats to the future food supply, including--

    (1) misuse and overuse of land and water;

    (2) loss of biological diversity;

    (3) erosion of genetic resources on a global scale; and

    (4) transboundary pests, such as the desert locust;

Whereas the world community increasingly calls upon the United States to resolve 
        food problems stemming from natural and human-made disasters by 
        providing humanitarian assistance;
Whereas the United States--

    (1) plays a major role in the development and implementation of 
international food and agricultural trade standards and practices; and

    (2) recognizes the positive role that the global food trade can play in 
enhancing human nutrition and alleviating hunger;

Whereas although progress has been made in reducing the incidence of hunger and 
        malnutrition in the United States, certain groups remain vulnerable to 
        malnutrition and related diseases;
Whereas the conservation of natural resources, the preservation of biological 
        diversity, and strong public and private agricultural research programs 
        are required for the United States to--

    (1) remain food secure;

    (2) continue to aid the hungry and malnourished people of the world; 
and

    (3) assist in building a more resilient global food system;

Whereas the United States is a world leader in the development of agricultural 
        innovation and technology aimed at enhancing the improved production, 
        safety, and quality of the world food supply and must continue to retain 
        that role;
Whereas participation by private voluntary organizations and businesses, working 
        with national governments and the international community, is essential 
        in the search for ways to increase food production in developing 
        countries and improve food distribution to hungry and malnourished 
        people;
Whereas the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (referred to 
        in this resolution as the ``FAO'') is mandated to lead global efforts to 
        address food and nutrition security issues;
Whereas the member nations of the FAO have unanimously designated October 16 of 
        each year as ``World Food Day'';
Whereas the FAO has done commendable work in organizing activities and efforts 
        on ``World Food Day'' in over 130 countries to promote awareness of and 
        action for people suffering from hunger and malnutrition;
Whereas past observances of ``World Food Day'' have been supported by--

    (1) proclamations by Congress, the President, the 50 States, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories 
and possessions of the United States; and

    (2) programs of the Department of Agriculture and other Federal 
departments and agencies;

Whereas private voluntary organizations and community leaders are participating 
        in planning ``World Food Day'' observances in 2021 and 2022, and a 
        growing number of these organizations and leaders are using ``World Food 
        Day'' as a focal point for year-round programs; and
Whereas the people of the United States can express their concern for the plight 
        of hungry and malnourished people throughout the world by study, 
        advocacy, and action: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``World Food Day''; and
            (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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