Designating October 16, 1993, and October 16, 1994, each as World Food Day.
PL 103-108 (H.J.Res.218), enacted 10/18/1993

107 STAT. 1034 
PUBLIC LAW 103-108—OCT. 18, 1993 
Public Law 103-108 
103d Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Oct. 18, 1993 
[H.J. Res. 218] 
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 himger and malnutrition, with millions of children d3dng each 
year from hvmger-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; 
PUBLIC LAW 103-108—OCT. 18, 1993 
107 STAT. 1035 
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 volimtary organizations and thousands of 
community leaders are participating in the planning of World 
Food Day observances in 1993, and a growing nimiber 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 Da/*, 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. 
Approved October 18, 1993. 
LEGISLATIVE mSTORY—H.J. Res. 218: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 139 (1993): 
Oct. 13, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 14, considered and passed Senate.