From October 5-6, WFP USA (formerly Friends of the World Food Program) hosted its Second Annual Summit on Global Hunger in Washington, DC. Supporters from around the nation gathered to discuss world hunger, meet with Members of Congress and learn how Americans can take action.
“Hunger is the single greatest international peace issue of our time,” said Karen Sendelback, former President and CEO, WFP USA (formerly Friends of WFP). “The reality is that we need a joint action around food security so that no one goes without food. We’ve got to do it all together in coordination, simultaneously on all fronts, and permanently.”
Ambassador Tony Hall spoke about his experiences trying to change U.S. hunger policy when he served as chairman of the Congressional Select Committee on Hunger. He emphasized that all individual action is valuable, whether it's lobbying Congress, raising funds or recruiting volunteers. “It’s the tale of two worlds we live in today – one rich, one very poor,” he said. “If you do the one thing in front of you and make that one drop in the ocean, you can make a difference.”
Several panel discussions focused on hunger in specific regions of the world – specifically Africa, Asia and Latin America. Speakers were from a wide variety of organizations, including the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), World Bank, U.S. Bangladesh Advisory Council, International Center for Research on Women, World Vision and MercyCorps. Topics covered ranged from HIV/AIDS and gender issues to trade regulations and the global economic crisis.
Representatives from WFP corporate partners DSM, Earth Water International and the U.N. Foundation/Vodafone Partnership also spoke in a panel called “The Role of the Private Sector in Ending World Hunger.” While the majority of WFP USA’s donations come from governments, the private sector has successfully established itself as a critical ally in the fight against hunger. The panel highlighted several ways in which corporate partners support WFP USA, including donating goods and technology as well as funding.
Other panels focused on how WFP USA supporters can take action. WFP USA Committee leaders from California and Georgia shared their ideas for engaging the local community on global hunger, while a group of musicians and artists discussed how art can play a role in raising awareness. Attendees also took part in a workshop that offered tips for meeting with Members of Congress. They later put those tips to use in real meetings with their representatives.
The Second Annual Summit on Global Hunger was sponsored by AriZona Beverages, Sealed Air Corporation, World Cocoa Foundation/Mars Incorporated/Nestlé, American Farm Bureau Federation, Congressional Hunger Center, CropLife America, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and BMF Media. WFP USA (formerly Friends of WFP) is grateful for their support of this event.
From http://www.friendsofwfp.org
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