IIA

103D CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. J. RES. 218

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

OCTOBER 14 (legislative day, OCTOBER 13), 1993

Received

JOINT RESOLUTION

Designating October 16, 1993, and October 16, 1994, each

as World Food Day.

Whereas hunger and malnutrition remain daily facts of life

for hundreds of millions of people in the world;

Whereas the children of the world suffer the most serious effects of hunger and malnutrition, with millions of children dying each year from hunger-related illness and disease, and many others suffering permanent physical or

mental impairment because of vitamin or protein deficiencies;
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Whereas the United States has a long tradition of demonstrating humanitarian concern for the hungry and malnourished people of the world;

Whereas there is growing concern in the United States and

in other countries for environmental protection and the

dangers posed to future food supply from misuse and

overuse of land and water, loss of biological diversity and

erosion of genetic resources on a global scale;

Whereas the world community increasingly calls upon the

United States to resolve food problems stemming from

local conflicts and civil unrest—such as in Somalia and

the former Yugoslavia—calling for the use of peacekeeping forces as well as the provision of emergency food supplies;

Whereas the United States plays a major role in the development and implementation of interregional food and agricultural trade standards and practices, and recognizes

the positive role that food trade can play in enhancing

human nutrition and in the alleviation of hunger;

Whereas although progress has been made in reducing the incidence of hunger and malnutrition in the United States,

certain groups, notably Native Americans, migrant workers, the elderly, the homeless, and children, remain vulnerable to malnutrition and related diseases;

Whereas our Government is now preparing a National Plan

of Action for nutrition wellbeing in accordance with the

commitment made at the recent International Conference

on Nutrition;

Whereas the conservation of natural resources, the preservation of biological diversity and strong public and private

programs of agricultural research are required for the
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United States to remain the largest surplus food producer in the world and to continue to aid the hungry and

malnourished people of the world;

Whereas the United States is and must remain the world

leader in the development of biotechnology aimed at enhancing the improved production, safety and quality of

the world food supply;

Whereas the Congress of the United States is aware of and

strongly supports plans and preparations for the International Conference on Plant Genetic Resources planned

for 1995;

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 member nations of the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations unanimously designated October 16 of each year as World Food Day because of the need to increase public awareness of world

hunger problems;

Whereas past observances of World Food Day have been supported by proclamations by the 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 by programs of the Department of Agriculture, other Federal departments and

agencies, and the governments and peoples of more than

150 other nations;
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Whereas 450 private voluntary organizations and thousands

of community leaders are participating in the planning of

World Food Day observances in 1993, and a growing

number of these organizations and leaders are using this

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 the hungry and malnourished

people throughout the world by study and action and by

fasting and donating food and money: Now, therefore, be

it

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 That October 16, 1993, and October 16, 1994, are each

4 designated as ‘‘World Food Day’’, and the President is

5 authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling

6 upon the people of the United States to observe World

7 Food Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, in8 cluding worship services, fasting, education endeavors, and

9 the establishment of year-around food and health pro10 grams and policies.

Passed the House of Representatives October 13,

1993.

Attest: DONNALD K. ANDERSON,

Clerk.