Supporting the designation of October 16, 2019, and October 16, 2020, as "World Food Day".

World Food Day 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 United States has a long tradition of demonstrating humanitarian concern for the hungry and malnourished people of the world; Whereas there is a growing concern in the United States and other countries about threats to the future food supply, including— (1) misuse and overuse of land and water; (2) loss of biological diversity; and (3) erosion of genetic resources on a global scale; Whereas the world community increasingly 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 the 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 to remain food secure and to continue to aid the hungry and malnourished people of the world; 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 retain 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 resolution as the FAO Whereas the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Kip Tom, wrote on June 18, 2019, The FAO is where the nations of the world come together to identify tools and practices to improve agricultural production, to facilitate trade, to enhance sustainability, and to extend knowledge in ways that can improve the health and well-being of families everywhere. Whereas the member nations of the FAO have unanimously designated October 16 of each year as World Food Day Whereas the FAO has done commendable work in organizing activities and efforts on World Food Day Whereas past observances of World Food Day (1) 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) 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 World Food Day 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 That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of World Food Day (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Summary: This resolution supports the designation of World Food Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.