Hunger Facts: The World

• More than 850 million people around the world, most in developing countries, do not get enough calories. Widespread hunger persists even though the world's farmers produce enough food for everyone.
• One-third of the population of sub-Saharan Africa is chronically undernourished. Nearly half live on less than $1 a day. In Central Africa, 55 percent of the population is hungry.
• Access to modes resources can make a big difference in the lives of the world's hungry and poor people.

For example:

• 15 cents will vaccinate a child against polio to prevent paralysis and death;
• $3 will pay for a mosquito bed net to help prevent malaria;
• $25 will cover the cost of fees and materials for a child to attend a full year of elementary school; and
• $500 will fund training to improve agricultural yields for a farmers' cooperative.

Unfortunately, these types of programs are under-funded. Currently the United States devotes less than half of one percent of our federal budget to poverty-focused development assistance overseas.

Dear Senator _____________ or Representative _____________ ,

I'm writing to express my concern for more than 850 million people worldwide who are undernourished. Sufficient food is produced to feed everyone, yet six million young children die each year from hunger-related causes.

For fiscal year 2007, I urge you and other members of Congress to approve an additional $5 billion in poverty-focused development assistance. In 10025, the United States promised to double assistance to developing countries by 2010. In order to get the country on track to honor this promise, Congress needs to approve a significant increase this year.

Good nutrition, clean water, health care, and basic education help parents build a better future for their children. The United States should give more hungry and poor families these opportunities by increasing poverty-focused development assistance.

Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address