WASHINGTON–The Senate Hunger Caucus has unveiled an effort to honor the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) for receiving the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
The caucus co-chairs—Sens. John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS)—have introduced S.Res.774 that congratulates the WFP for being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, affirms the organization’s mission and expresses support for the leadership of WFP Executive Director David Beasley.
Additionally, the resolution reiterates the Senate’s commitment to the goal of working with the international community to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition through the work of the WFP.
“Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes an all-hands-on-deck approach. It requires leaders with visionary solutions and supporting team members who are willing to put in the hard work to bring about meaningful change. David Beasley and his team at the WFP embody these principles. I congratulate them and offer my continued support as we work together toward a world where hunger is no longer an issue,” said Boozman.
“For nearly 60 years, the World Food Program has been on the front lines fighting hunger, preventing famines and responding to humanitarian crises across the world,” said Brown. “The WFP is a worthy recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize and I congratulate the women and men of the WFP who have worked so hard to make the world a better place. I am honored to join my colleagues on the Senate Hunger Caucus to recognize the outstanding work of the WFP.”
“World Food Program staff and volunteers are on the front lines fighting famine, hunger and malnutrition in the world’s most difficult to reach regions. Awarding WFP with the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize is not only commendation of the incredible work WFP does, but also a recognition that food security is essential to fighting poverty and achieving a more just and equitable world. As the world deals with an unprecedented pandemic, conflict and displacement, we must not forget that hunger is often one of the first effects of unrest. I congratulate WFP for this well-deserved honor and along with my colleagues remain committed to fighting hunger and malnutrition around the world,” said Casey.
“So many in America and across the globe suffer from a shortage of food. The World Food Program has been a steadfast leader in the fight to end world hunger, providing innovative solutions and determination to end this struggle. I’m proud to join members of the bipartisan Senate Hunger Caucus to introduce a resolution that commends the WFP’s Nobel Peace Prize and recognizes the need to continue our efforts in the Senate to end world hunger,” said Durbin.
“As hunger impacts families here in the United States and around the globe, it will take collaboration between producers, Congress and organizations like the World Food Program to eradicate hunger,” said Moran. “Fighting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do for our producers, and I applaud the World Food Program and the work they do each day to end hunger.”
“We are deeply grateful for this bipartisan recognition from the leaders of the Senate Hunger Caucus. From the time of the United Nations World Food Program’s creation in 1961, the United States has remained a stalwart and generous donor in support of our lifesaving work in more than 80 countries around the world,” said Barron Segar President & CEO of World Food Program USA. “Being named the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate is a timely and decisive acknowledgement that ending hunger is a critical first step towards peace. The award is a tribute to the sacrifice and commitment of the U.N. World Food Program’s 18,000 staff, many of whom work on the frontlines of hunger and conflict, delivering food assistance that offers hope to some of the most vulnerable people, living in some of the world’s most remote and insecure locations.”