FAO Liaison Office for North America

U.S. Congressional Quotes on World Food Day 2020

26/10/2020

Collective action across 150 countries is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and general public. They promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all. World Food Day 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of FAO in an exceptional moment as countries around the world deal with the widespread effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a time to look into the future we need to build together.

Below is a collection of quotes and statements from U.S. Members of Congress on #WorldFoodDay 2020. The tweets are also captured in this Twitter moment

 

Rep. Chellie Pingree [D-MA-01] Twitter | Twitter | Op-ed

-          We’re dealing with a staggering rise in hunger worldwide due to COVID-19. I fully support @FAO’s goal of zero hunger by 2030 and hope the bipartisan #WorldFoodDay resolution I’ve introduced with @RepMcGovern & @jackiewalorski raises awareness of that worthy goal.

-          Check out my interview with @HuffPost about how the 2020 election will affect our food supply.   Hint: I’m hopeful that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are ready to help local farms, not just Big Ag. #WorldFoodDay

 

Sen. John Boozman [R-AR] Twitter | Facebook

-          As a Senate Hunger Caucus co-chair, I proudly supported the #WorldFoodDay2020 resolution raising awareness of America’s important leadership efforts to stamp out hunger at home and abroad. Congrats again to @WFPChief & @WFP on your work for food security and the #NobelPeacePrize

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay, an opportunity to promote global awareness and action for all who suffer from malnutrition. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I'm proud to have joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in support of a senate resolution to formally designate October 16th as World Food Day 2020. Observing this day raises awareness of America’s important efforts to stamp out global hunger. Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes U.S. leadership. That's why the Senate Hunger Caucus not only seeks to find vehicles to bring focus to the plight of those suffering from food insecurity, but also solutions that bring about meaningful change. There is a great deal of work to be done, but the theme of this year’s World Food Day – “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together. Our actions are our future.” – serves as a guide as we work to achieve that goal. Arkansas's farmers, school lunch workers, food pantry staff and volunteers and nonprofit organizations are all stepping up to the plate to help feed the hungry. We couldn't be more proud of, or grateful for, their efforts. I've told many of them as much in person or over the phone/Zoom in the last few months. It takes all of us working together to combat hunger and malnutrition. #FoodHeroes

 

Rep. Jim McGovern [D- MA-2] Twitter (Thread)

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay. Here's why you should care. 1/?

-          2/ Local knowledge, coupled with modern agriculture, make feeding everyone on this planet possible. Poverty & inequality, not scarcity, drive global hunger. I believe America has a moral obligation to lead from the heart. To push for an end to hunger at home & around the world.

-          3/ There's no good reason why any family, child, senior or individual should wonder where their next meal will come from. Yet the harsh reality is that close to a billion people around the world are impacted by hunger & COVID-19 has made things even worse.

 

Rep. Jackie Walorski [R-IN-2] Press Release

-          “Access to plentiful, nutritious food plays a key role in health and wellness and can help families and communities build stronger futures,”  “I’m honored to support the designation of a World Food Day and renew my commitment to addressing hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in the U.S. and across the globe. As co-chair of the bipartisan House Hunger Caucus, I’ll continue working to make nutrition a priority in Congress.”

 

Rep. Jimmy Pannetta [D-CA-20] Twitter | Twitter | Facebook

-          On this #WorldFoodDay, I am grateful to the farmers and farmworkers on the central coast of California. These essential workers have shown up every day, in the midst of a global pandemic and one of the worst wildfire seasons to date, to put healthy food on our tables.

-          As these individuals continue to keep our nation's food supply secure, we must do right by them. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to strengthen our agriculture system and ensure our producers and workers have the tools they need to succeed.

-          On this #WorldFoodDay, I am grateful to the farmers and farmworkers on the central coast of California. These essential workers have shown up every day, in the midst of a global pandemic and one of the worst wildfire seasons to date, to put healthy food on our tables. As these individuals continue to keep our nation's food supply secure, we must do right by them. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to strengthen our agriculture system and ensure our producers and workers have the tools they need to succeed.

 

Sen. Jerry Moran [R-KS] | Twitter | Twitter

-          The call to feed the world has been answered by so many Kansans, who are taught at a young age it is our duty to help those in need. On #WorldFoodDay, we are reminded of our responsibility to help those in need in our communities & in towns, cities & villages around the world.

-          As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that fighting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do both for Kansas producers & global security. This Senate resolution I sponsored formally recognizes Oct. 16, 2020 as #WorldFoodDay.

 

 Rep. TJ Cox [D-CA-21] Twitter

-          Food insecurity is an issue in all parts of our country. Millions of children and seniors live in households without enough to eat. On #WorldFoodDay, we must recommit to ensuring food security for all and fighting to protect all our anti-hunger programs for all in our country.

 

Rep. Brad Wenstrup [R-OH-2] Twitter | Facebook

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay, and I want to thank all those at ork across our country to help the millions of Americans who face food scarcity. Your work and dedication helps put food on people’s tables. #TBT to my visit to Freestore Foodbank earlier this Fall.

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay, and I want to thank all those at work across our country to help the millions of Americans who face food scarcity. Your work and dedication helps put food on people’s tables. #TBT to my visit to Freestore Foodbank earlier this Fall.

 

Rep. Salud Carbajal [D-CA-24] Twitter

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay & @FAO is highlighting the ways that we can preserve access to safe & nutritious food, even in a global pandemic. Proud to have worked with my Republican colleague @RepDonBacon to ensure our children have access to nutritious school meals during #COVID19.

 

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick [R-PA-1] Twitter | Facebook

-          On #WorldFoodDay, we must continue to recognize and acknowledge the millions of people who are food insecure in the United States and around the world. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure food security for all of our global citizens. #FAO75

 

Rep. Mike Levin [D-CA-49] Twitter | Facebook

-          The #COVID19 pandemic has drastically increased food insecurity in our country. On this #WorldFoodDay, it is another stark reminder of the critical need to pass the #HeroesAct— we cannot afford to wait any longer in addressing food security in America.

 

Sen. James “Jim’ Risch [R-ID] Twitter

-          From research to row crops, Idaho agriculture feeds the world. On #WorldFoodDay, our farmers and ranchers can be proud of the important role they play in America & around the world.

 

Rep. Tom O’Halleran [D-AZ-01] Twitter

-          This year COVID-19 has increased food insecurity for many #AZ01 families. I'm working to ensure Arizonans do not have to struggle to put food on the table. For info about SNAP, school meals, & more, visit my COVID-19 food assistance page below. #WorldFoodDay

 

Sen. Mike Crapo [R-ID] Twitter

-          During #WorldFoodDay let’s raise awareness for people all over the world who are suffering from hunger. More than 113 million people across 53 countries experience acute hunger requiring urgent food, nutrition and livelihoods assistance.

 

Rep. David Trone [D-MD-6] Twitter (Thread)

-          On #WorldFoodDay, I stand with @FAONorthAmerica & our partners around the globe working to end chronic hunger. #COVID19 has caused food insecurity to skyrocket. That's why I'm working with my colleagues to ensure no one goes hungry during this pandemic.

-          In May, I worked across the aisle to secure crucial waivers from the @USDA to ensure school meals for kids would continue through the summer as we battled the ongoing pandemic.

-          I also introduced bipartisan legislation that was included in the HEROES Act to give emergency funding to CACFP, a federal program that provides nutritious meals to qualifying children and adults.

-          This #WorldFoodDay, let's commit ourselves to ending global hunger. We have the tools and we have the resources. Now, let's take action.

 

Rep. Jim Costa [D-CA-16] Twitter

-          Today is WORLD FOOD DAY, where we celebrate the amazing food we have the privilege of indulging in while also raising awareness for people who do not have such privilege.

 

Rep. Betty McCollum [D-MN-4] Press Release | Twitter

-          This #WorldFoodDay, working to #EndHunger & food insecurity is more important than ever. I'm proud to celebrate 10 years of progress under @FeedTheFuture and recognize the importance of continuing these efforts into the next decade and beyond.

 

Rep. Dina Titus [D-NV-1] Twitter

-          Many Southern Nevadans are struggling with food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On #WorldFoodDay, let us recommit to reducing hunger and thank partners like @CCSDFoodService that are providing meals to students at no cost.

 

 Rep. Deb Haaland [D-NM-1] Twitter

-          @CoryBooker & I have a bill that promotes sustainable farming by providing new funding dedicated to stewardship practices such as rotational grazing, improved fertilizer efficiency, and planting tens of millions of new acres of cover crops. #WFDchat

 

Rep. David Scott [D-GA-13] Twitter | Facebook

-          Preserving access to safe and nutritious food is an essential part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those who have been hit the hardest. This #WorldFoodDay, I'm thankful for over 300 farms in GA-13 that help keep fresh and healthy food on our tables.

 

Rep. Stacey Plaskett [D-VI-1] Twitter | Facebook

-          Our food systems must be sustainable, support food producers, and provide all people with an affordable and healthy diet. As COVID-19 has shown us, we cannot afford to wait to adress food security in America and around the world. #WorldFoodDay

 

Rep. Marcia Fudge [D-OH-11] Twitter | Facebook

-          Anti-hunger programs represent just 2 percent of the U.S. budget. On #WorldFoodDay, let us recommit to fighting the growing hunger crises at home and abroad.

 

Sen. Christopher “Chris” Coons [D-DE] Press Release | Twitter (Thread)

-          I will continue fighting for resources for the programs that are providing emergency assistance to our world’s most vulnerable populations, and that support resiliency in our food and agricultural systems. #WorldFoodDay #WFDchat

-          This #WorldFoodDay, I’m grateful for the work of so many in Delaware – from our farmers, to school lunch workers, to folks working in food pantries and nonprofits – who are helping provide food to families who need it most. #WFDchat

-          Last year, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution to designate today as #WorldFoodDay. This year on #WorldFoodDay, we recommit to fighting hunger in the face of a sharp rise in food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. #WFDchat

 

Rep. Barbara Lee [D-CA-13] Twitter | Facebook

-          Hunger is personal for me. As a single mother raising two kids, I used SNAP to feed my family -- a lifeline for many, especially during this pandemic. On #WorldFoodDay, let’s remember that we have all the tools to end hunger globally. We just need action & commitment.

 

Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell [D-FL-26] Twitter

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay, and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 75 years later, and food security is still a global issue that affects millions all over the world. Our ultimate goal must be #ZeroHunger. No less.

 

Rep. Dwight Evans [D-PA-2] Twitter | Facebook

-          Over a million Pennsylvanians deal with food insecurity every day — and the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this issue. I'll keep fighting to protect SNAP and support initiatives that end hunger in our state and the country. #WorldFoodDay

 

Rep. Henry Cuellar [D-TX-28] Twitter | Facebook

-          On this #WorldFoodDay let’s thank our #FoodHeroes, including our farmers, food transporters, grocery workers and cooks, for their work in growing, nourishing and sustaining our communities during this pandemic.

 

Rep. Jahana Hayes [D-NV-5] Twitter

-          On this #WorldFoodDay it's crucial that we protect food security for all Americans. I cosponsored the Emergency SNAP Flexibilities Extension Act to allow states to extend certification periods through June 2021, without USDA approval. Food access is a human right.

 

Rep. Joseph “Joe” Morelle [D-NY-25] Twitter

-          Too many children and families across our country go hungry every day—and COVID-19 has only made this dire situation worse. This #WorldFoodDay, we recognize and thank the many food banks, distribution centers, and community organizations dedicated to ending the hunger crisis.

 

Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY-17] Twitter

-          Today is #WorldFoodDay, and I want to thank all the #FoodHeroes, from farmers to grocery workers to food bank volunteers, who work tirelessly to help feed the hungry. I’m proud to support efforts led by @USAID and @FeedtheFuture to fight hunger and undernutrition.

 

Rep. Seth Moulton [D-MA-6] Twitter | Facebook

-          This #WorldFoodDay, I want to congratulate the @WFP for earning the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. America should contribute more to the international organizations that feed and protect refugees and the displaced.

 

Rep. Suzan DelBene [D-WA-1] Twitter | Facebook

-          On #WorldFoodDay, we must commit to addressing hunger and malnutrition by securing our food systems, providing nutrition education, and making sure everyone can put food on the table.

-          In 2019, 35.2 million people lived in food-insecure households, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Even more will be affected this year because of #COVID19. On #WorldFoodDay, we must commit to addressing hunger and malnutrition by securing our food systems, providing nutrition education, and making sure everyone can put food on the table.

 

Sen. Bob Casey [D-PA] Twitter

-          On #WorldFoodDay we renew our commitment to fighting food insecurity head on. If we want to achieve #ZeroHunger we need to make healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible to all.

 

Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI] Twitter | Facebook

-          COVID-19 has shed light on global food insecurity. On this #WorldFoodDay I celebrate our #FoodHeroes, the farmers and workers that fill plates, and the awarding of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the UN World Food Programme for their fight to end hunger.

 

Rep. Scott Peters [D-CA-52] Facebook

-          Today, I helped receive around 2,500 food boxes as part of the
U.S.Department of Agriculture's 'Farmers to Families Food Box' Program. This program provides relief to families while also supporting American farmers impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Local partners including the San Diego Food BankServing SeniorsPATH - Making it HomePaving Great FuturesSan Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council and Jewish Family Service of San Diego will distribute these boxes to San Diegans facing food insecurity. Today's event also coincides with #WorldFoodDay and the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). May we keep moving and working towards a sustainable and nourishing future for all.