Hunger Report contains seeds of hope

As expected, Bread for the World Institute’s 2009 Hunger Report reveals a deepening crisis around the globe. EthicsDaily reported in this Religion News Service article that the number of hungry people has increased by 75 million and the number in extreme poverty has increased by 100 million in the last two years. Such statistics are sobering and should not be ignored. But deserving of more attention is the report’s recommendations, especially those concerning U.S. foreign policy. Among the suggestions is a streamlined single agency to handle the government’s many assistance programs and closer coordination with international partners to reduce duplication of effort. We agree, but also wonder if the same idea might apply to private aid organizations. Perhaps it’s time to consider an umbrella organization under which help for the suffering could be consolidated. No question there is plenty of suffering to go around for the multiple organizations that exist, but we believe cooperation will only help the cause. Also included in the Hunger Report is a call to make global development and global poverty reduction specific goals in U.S. foreign policy. They should furthermore be distinguished from political, military and security goals, with distinct and secure funding, the report says. If these recommendations are carried out, the hope raised by the recent U.S. election might not end at its shores.