wfn.org | Hunger Gap Continues to Grow

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (393
notes).

Note 392 by UMNS on Oct. 16, 1997 at 16:24 Eastern (4799 characters).

CONTACT:  Joretta Purdue  	580(10-24-71B){392}
		Washington, D.C.  (202) 546-8722  	Oct. 16, 1996

Bread for the World recommends changes
to help the hungry feed themselves

	WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- The income gap between the richest and poorest people
grows wider with more than one billion people -- "nearly one-quarter of
humanity" -- living in grinding poverty, surviving on less than one dollar a
day, according to Hunger in a Global Economy, the annual "hunger report" of
the Bread for the World Institute.  
	"Give priority to the needs of hungry and poor people when making economic
decisions," urges the report, which was co-sponsored by a number of
organizations, including the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). 
	The report says governments, corporations and individuals have opportunities
to make economic life less harsh for hungry and poor people. It urges
governments to encourage the expansion of employment and self-employment, and
corporations to pay living wages.
	"Complement markets with government and civic action to ensure secure
livelihoods for all," advises the report. It says markets must be tempered
with governmental and civic action to provide decent jobs and living wages.
	"Include hungry and poor people in decisions that affect their lives," is
another recommendation. People go hungry because they are poor and powerless,
the report says.
	Hunger in a Global Economy recommends coordinating "policies among nations to
foster full employment and other social goals." It notes that over the past
two decades global competition has contributed to rising unemployment and
falling wages in the industrial countries, adding that meanwhile, governments
have cut back on safety net spending.
	"Promote international trade -- with safeguards for labor rights, the
environment and food security," the report says. It continues, "Foster food
security through more liberal agricultural trade coupled with sound
agricultural policies and safety nets."
	Agricultural trade can help overcome hunger by providing access to less
expensive food, offsetting shortages and raising farm incomes, but at the same
time small farmers can be driven out of business by larger producers, the
report says. 
	It notes that 60 percent of the work force in developing countries depend on
agriculture for a living, and women account for much of domestic food
production -- 80 percent in Africa. Development efforts too often focus on
male-controlled export crops, the report says, advocating that international
aid should support the efforts of women farmers.
	Also according to the report, agricultural policies and development programs
emphasize boosting yields, sustainable farming practices and diversifying
production for both export and domestic consumption.
	"Encourage responsible investing through policies that are good for
businesses, workers and consumers," the report says.
	Giant corporations have created millions of new jobs and improved incomes,
especially in East and Southeast Asia, but they also have resulted in child
labor, appalling working conditions, wages at a few cents an hour,
environmental devastation and dismal shanty towns, says the report. It urges
both rich and poor countries to protect the vulnerable and ensure widespread
sharing of the benefits of international investment.
	"Focus the World Bank and other international financial institutions on
reducing poverty, and make them accountable to the low-income communities they
affect," the report says.
	It observes that too often programs and projects are launched without
consulting the local hungry and poor people on which these projects may have a
devastating effect, such as making access to health care or elementary schools
unobtainable.
	"Relieve the debts of poor-country governments committed to reducing poverty,
and expand foreign aid programs that help hungry and poor people," the report
urges.
	To service debts, governments shift scarce resources from schools, health
clinics, roads, the environment and other sustainable development investments.
"Exercise our influence as responsible citizens, consumers, employers, workers
and investors to make the world economy work for everyone." 
	It advises people to buy products from companies that adhere to labor and
environmental standards and to invest retirement savings in socially
responsible companies and mutual funds. It also advocates urging elected
officials to support a living wage and safety net programs.
	Hunger in the United States is considered along with that in other parts of
the world, and the report notes, "Despite an increase in the minimum wage in
1996, full-time minimum wage work pays only $9,880 annually, still below the
poverty line for a family of two at $10,360.

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