[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S10821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CHARISSE TILLMAN AND THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD PROGRAM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, on October 13, the United States 
and more than 150 nations will mark the observance of World Food Day. 
Every year since 1980, World Food Day has been a time to raise 
awareness of worldwide hunger, and recognize those who have dedicated 
their lives to help people in need.
  Many of the individuals who are fighting the war against hunger do so 
through the World Food Program [WFP]. The WFP is the largest 
international food aid organization in the world. Last year, 45 million 
people in 84 countries benefited from the 2.2 million tons of food 
distributed by the WFP.
  The southern part of Sudan is an example of a region where the WFP 
helps alleviate the suffering and illnesses caused by hunger. The 
situation in the Sudan is extremely desperate and countless children 
have died due to starvation.
  One person who deserves special mention is Charisse Tillman of Culver 
City, CA. She is an assessment coordinator for the WFP in Sudan. When a 
village or a community is targeted by the WFP for assistance, Ms. 
Tillman is one of the first to arrive on the scene. She determines how 
much food is needed by the community and much it can actually produce. 
This is extremely important so that WFP does not in any way discourage 
local agricultural production.
  The World Food Program is home to many dedicated people like Charisse 
Tillman. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring her and all the 
unselfish humanitarians at the WFP.

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