[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 177 (Thursday, October 7, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 414--DESIGNATING OCTOBER 16, 2021, AND OCTOBER 16, 
                      2022, AS ``WORLD FOOD DAY''

  Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Moran, and Ms. 
Stabenow) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 414

       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 COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the severity and 
     frequency of food insecurity in 2020, represented by--
       (1) an estimated increase of 148,000,000 people 
     experiencing severe food insecurity in 2020 as compared to 
     2019; and
       (2) an estimated 928,000,000 people, or 12 percent of the 
     global population, experiencing food insecurity;
       Whereas the United States has a long tradition of 
     demonstrating humanitarian concern for the hungry and 
     malnourished people of the world;
       Whereas there is an ever increasing concern in the United 
     States and in 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 and diseases, such as the Desert 
     Locust for plants and anthrax for livestock;
       Whereas the world community increasingly and consistently 
     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 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--
       (1) to remain food secure;
       (2) to continue to aid the hungry and malnourished people 
     of the world;
       (3) to assist in building a more resilient global food 
     system; and
       (4) to preserve and sustain our forests, land, oceans, and 
     waterways.
       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 maintain 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 preamble 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 worked to organize activities and 
     efforts on ``World Food Day'' in more than 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--
       (1) by 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) by 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 Senate--
       (1) designates October 16, 2021, and October 16, 2022, as 
     ``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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