Candidates Should Make Global Hunger a Priority

Dear Editor,
    The presidential candidates have yet to explain how they plan to address the issue of global hunger. Bringing this issue to the forefront is especially critical as rising food prices continue to push millions of people further into poverty. In addition, recurring natural disasters – such as the recent series of tropical storms in Haiti, drought in Ethiopia, and a cyclone in Myanmar – have destroyed crops and livestock, leaving many without access to food.
    The United Nations World Food Program estimates that more than 920 million people suffer from hunger. WFP is on the ground every day, feeding millions of people and saving lives.
    We call on both Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) to make global hunger a priority in their presidential campaigns and support new policies to expand international food-assistance programs.