The challenge of food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa will be the focus of a congressional hearing set for Wednesday, Oct. 7 by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and global human rights subcommittee. A  trio of non-government organizations (NGOs) which deal with global hunger will testify.

  “Ensuring food security in the developing world is both a moral and a strategic imperative," said Chairman Smith (NJ-04). “It is a moral imperative because chronic hunger affects some 800 million people around the world, while roughly 165 million children under age five are stunted. It is a strategic imperative, because food insecurity poses a potential destabilizing threat to countries around the world, jeopardizing vital U.S. national security interests. Perhaps the most effective intervention we can do is ensuring that children receive good nutrition during the first 1000 days of life, from conception to age two.  You get the first 1000 days right, and then you work to get all the days that follow right as well."

    WHAT:           Congressional hearing entitled “Food Security and Nutrition Programs in Africa.”  

    WHO:             Smith, members of the Subcommittee on Africa and global human rights, and witnesses:

• Dr. Carolyn Woo, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Relief Services      
• David Hong, Director of Global Policy, One Acre Fund  
• Roger Thurow, Senior Fellow, Global Agriculture and Food, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

    WHEN:          Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 12:45 p.m.

    WHERE:        Room 2255 in the Rayburn House Office Building (second floor).  

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