H.J. Res. 218
One Hundred Third Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the fifth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-three
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;
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 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;
H.J. Res. 218—2
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 inter-
national community, is essential in the search for ways to increase
food production in developing countries and improve food distribu-
tion to hungry and malnourished people;
Whereas the member nations of the Food and Agriculture Organiza-
tion 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;
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
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That October
16, 1993, and October 16, 1994, are each designated as ‘‘World
Food Day’’, and the President is authorized and requested to issue
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
observe World Food Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities,
including worship services, fasting, education endeavors, and the
establishment of year-around food and health programs and policies.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.