The United Nations World Food Programme already has launched some efforts in these directions. It would be both practical and right for the United States, within the U.N. framework, to take the lead in organizing a worldwide school lunch program and beginning a worldwide WIC program. Our experience and success with these programs provide our nation with the expertise and knowledge to help launch an international program to address effectively the crisis of global child hunger. The benefits are obvious. Study after study shows that a higher percentage of children attend school and remain through graduation when lunch is provided.
Academic performance improves.
Children are not only smarter but also stronger. As a society's educational level rises, especially among girls, the birthrate goes down, reducing the strain of population on food resources, the environment and economic growth. These are legitimate questions, Mr. President, and they deserve thoughtful answers. Depending on what their families can afford, students pay all, part or none of the cost of their meal. The United States would benefit substantially, too, from such international food programs.