BreadFeed

Quote of the Day: David Beckmann

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

“Lawmakers must look for other measures for balancing our federal budget than to do so on the backs of hungry and poor people who did not create the deficit in the first place.”

—Bread for the World President David Beckmann, in response to the House Agriculture Committee's farm bill, which cuts SNAP by $21 billion.

Photo: Alex Morris, from Bend, Ore., depends on SNAP, WIC and other programs to care for André, who suffers from a serious medical condition that affects his hormonal system. (Brad Horn)

House Committee on Agriculture Passes Farm Bill with a $21 Billion Cut to SNAP: How the Members Voted

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, the House Committee on Agriculture passed a farm bill that includes a $21 billion cut to the SNAP program. The bill, formally known as the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013, passed out of committee by a vote of 36 yeas and 10 nays.

Bread for the World expressed outrage over the severe cuts to anti-hunger programs in a joint statement with Feeding America, United Way, and Catholic Relief Services.

The bill, which now goes to House leadership to be scheduled for a floor vote, would create hardship for families in the Unites States and have deadly consequences for families abroad. If enacted, it would:

Remove 2 million SNAP recipients from the program
Reduce SNAP benefits (by about $90 each month) for 850,000 households
End free school meals for 210,000 children.
Cut international food aid by $2.5 billion over 5 years—those cuts would include a 78 percent reduction in funding for improving the nutritional quality of food aid

During a very heated debate on the nutrition portion of the bill—a debate that included comments about churches taking primary responsibility for the care of hungry and poor people—Rep. Jim McGovern introduced an amendment to restore all cuts to the SNAP program. By a roll call vote, the amendment failed 17-27.

Bread for the World will continue to fight these cuts as the bill goes to the floor of the House. Domestic nutrition programs such as SNAP are the first line of defense against hunger and have proven effective in decreasing food insecurity during a weakened economy.

Members of the House Committee on Agriculture who voted to pass a bill with a $21 billion cut to the SNAP program. If your representative is on this list, we encourage you to call your member’s office or tag him or her in a tweet and let them know you are disappointed.

Members of the House Committee on Agriculture who voted to protect the programs for poor and hungry people that provide a place at the table for all. If your representative is on this list, we encourage you to call your member’s office or tag him or her in a tweet and thank them. (Asterisk indicates the member voted against the farm bill, but also voted against McGovern’s amendment).

New OECD Income, Poverty, Inequality Data Released

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:35:03 +0000

Good news for data nerds: The OECD has just released its latest disposable income, poverty and inequality numbers for all of its 34 member states. You can access the entire data set here, but don't miss the the fun interacive tools that were released along with it. OECD was kind enought to make them embeddable:

So what are the key stories in this beautifully arranged chart? You may not find them all that surprising:

Poverty and inequality have grown in OECD countries since the global recession of 2007-2008.
The United States still has greater-than-average inequality and relative poverty than the typical OECD country.
The United States has less pre-tax/transfer poverty than most other countries.
The overall OECD unemployment rate has eased slightly to 8.0%.
Iceland, Slovenia, Norway and Denmark shared the lowest poverty rate of member countries, while Israel bore the highest at 21%.

This data release is well timed, just before the 39^th G-8 summit to be held in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland between June 17-18. As member states gather to focus on shared global development goals like advancing trade, ensuring tax compliance, and promoting greater transparency, the OECD offers a humbling reminder that poverty, hunger, and inequality are on the rise across the developed world. A global committment to solving the poverty problem will require committment from all countries, regardless of income level. This is still everyone's problem.

Congress and Anti-Hunger Groups Oppose Farm Bill Cuts to SNAP

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World joined members of Congress and representatives from other anti-hunger organizations on Capitol Hill today in a press conference to oppose severe cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) proposed in the farm bill.

Senate Passes Farm Bill Out of Ag Committee with 15-5 Vote

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:45:00 +0000

Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture Committee marked up the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, commonly referred to as the farm bill. The draft of the bill amended by the committee will now be scheduled for a full Senate vote. We thank Bread for the World members who took the time to urge their senators on the agriculture committee to ensure a place at the table for hungry and poor people by opposing cuts to SNAP and international food aid.

The Senate version of the farm bill cuts SNAP (formerly food stamps) by $4.1 billion over five years, which would leave nearly 500,000 households without benefits. (In opening statements, Sens. Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cowan (D-Mass.), Harkin (D-Iowa), and Brown (D-Ohio) spoke favorably of SNAP and nutrition programs).

Food aid fared better, with a proposed expansion of a program that creates flexibility in purchasing emergency food and includes provisions to improve the quality of food aid, particularly for mothers, children under five, and other target populations. International food aid provisions remain intact moving to floor debate and we will continue to ask senators to support those provisions.

The nutrition portion of the bill, under which SNAP is authorized, saw numerous amendments submitted for consideration, none of which made it through to the final version of the committee’s bill. Below is a summary of the amendments offered or mentioned in committee:

Brown Amendment #2 – Restores a $194 million funding gap for three programs: SNAP employment and training, the Emergency Food Assistance Program(TEFAP), and Community Food Projects. The amendment was offered and withdrawn, which means it will likely be brought up when the bill goes to the floor. Bread appreciates efforts to increase funding to nutrition programs and continues to urge the Senate to protect and strengthen SNAP by restoring the $4.1 billion cut included in the bill.

Gillibrand Amendment #2 – Restores $4.1 billion in SNAP cuts with an offset in crop insurance and protects the connection between the low-income heating assistance program(LIHEAP) and SNAP. The amendment was offered and withdrawn, which means it will likely be brought up when the bill goes to the floor. Bread for the World supports this amendment.

Johanns Amendment #2 – Limits how states administer SNAP by restricting categorical eligibility to those receiving cash assistance. Currently, states use categorical eligibility to align SNAP eligibility rules to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), allowing them to raise the gross income test and lift or eliminate the asset test. The proposal would displace 1.8 million people from the program. This amendment was defeated by voice vote. We thank Sens. Stabenow (D-Mich.), Cochran (R-Miss), and Gillibrand, all of whom spoke out strongly against this cut. Bread for the World opposes this amendment.

Roberts Amendment #5 – Severs the ability of states to coordinate LIHEAP and SNAP, restricts categorical eligibility, and eliminates what remains of the temporary boost in SNAP benefits that was part of the 2009 stimulus package. These are the same proposals included in a bill, previously introduced by Sen. Roberts (R-Kan.), that included $31 billion in SNAP cuts. The amendment was offered and withdrawn and may be brought up on the Senate floor. Bread for the World opposes this amendment.

Roberts Amendment #6 – Severs the ability of states to coordinate LIHEAP with SNAP, cutting SNAP benefits by approximately $12 billion. The amendment was not offered for a vote, but Sen. Roberts indicated his intention to bring it up on the floor. Bread for the World opposes this amendment.

Roberts Amendment #7 – Cuts what Sen. Roberts calls “duplicative” employment and training (E&T) programs. While some argue SNAP recipients should participate in other E&T programs, Congress has cut funding for key job training and employment programs by over $1 billion since 2010. The amendment was not offered for a vote, but Sen. Roberts indicated his intention to bring it up on the floor. The amendment was withdrawn and may be brought up on the floor. Bread for the World opposes this amendment.

Thune Amendment #4 – Cuts SNAP Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grants by capping the program at $5 per person. This results in a cut of $2 billion. With SNAP benefits averaging less than $1.50 per person, per meal, nutrition education programs are critical in helping families stretch their SNAP benefits and make nutritious choices. The amendment was defeated on party line roll call vote. Bread for the World opposes this amendment.

Thune Amendment #9 – Tightens the criteria by which USDA can give states work requirement waivers for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). The amendment was defeated on voice vote. Bread for the World opposes this amendment.

The bill passed out of committee by a vote of 15 to 5. Senators voting against were Gillibrand, Roberts, McConnell (R-Ky.), Johanns (R-Neb.), Thune (R-N.D.) We will continue to message our members of Congress to amend the bill on the floor and oppose cuts to SNAP.

What $20 Billion in SNAP Cuts Would Mean for Church Pantries

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Today, the House Committee on Agriculture will consider a farm bill that would cut SNAP by more than $20 billion over ten years. While food pantries and churches do amazing work in feeding hungry people, their efforts cannot counteract that sort of blow to such a vital program. In 2011, federal nutrition programs delivered more than 23 times the amount of food assistance as did private charities.

Churches can't do it alone—the government must do its part.

Check out Bread for the World's fact sheet, "Churches and Hunger" to learn more about how SNAP cuts would tax churches, food banks, and private food charities beyond their limits. And if your representative sits on the House Committee on Agriculture, call 1-800-326-4941 today and tell him or her that cuts to SNAP are unacceptable.

Bread for the World Closely Monitors Farm Bill

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World is troubled that the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013 fails to provide a place at the table for poor and hungry people.

Who's Walking the Walk? Country Commitments to Fighting Malnutrition

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:44:28 +0000

In my last blog I mentioned that we now know what malnutrition is and what to do to overcome it. Much has been written about the “1,000-day window of opportunity,” the period from a woman’s pregnancy to her child’s second birthday. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that malnutrition during this critical time can carry lifelong consequences for a person’s health, education and earnings. When chronic malnutrition affects a large number of people, it can even affect a country’s economy.

The better news is that interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition during the 1,000-day window are not only highly effective, but also great investments in development, with very high returns for every dollar invested. Since nutrition is an integral part of all development sectors, it is often referred to as being “cross-sectoral” in nature. It means that improving a person’s health, or education, or economic situation can have a positive, sustainable influence on malnutrition. Improving nutrition isn’t just about growing more food or having better access to food anymore.

So, if we know what malnutrition is and what actions are required to defeat it, and if we have shown that investing in nutrition is a smart thing to do, what is holding back “scaling up” nutrition on a global scale? The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement now includes 35 countries, all with high levels of malnutrition. Even though some SUN members are among the poorest countries in the world, every SUN country has committed political and financial resources to take action against malnutrition. Could it be that a country’s commitment to fighting hunger and malnutrition is what is important?

What if an index of a country’s commitment was available to help measure and motivate concerted action? The Institute of Development Studies in the United Kingdom, along with the British and Irish aid agencies, has produced just such an index, called the Hunger and Nutrition Commitment Index (HANCI). Last year, the International Food and Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) noted in its Global Hunger Index that in recent years, progress in reducing hunger has been “worryingly slow.” The report found that in many developing countries, significant economic growth has not necessarily led to lower levels of malnutrition and hunger. Rather, a driving factor in making (or not making) progress on malnutrition seems to be a government’s political will (or lack thereof).

The Global Hunger Index treats efforts to reduce hunger and to reduce malnutrition as separate issues. Hunger is a key driver of migration, conflict, and gender discrimination. Malnutrition, the report found, can have different causes and consequences. It does not always come directly from hunger. One example of another cause is an impaired ability to absorb vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) due to disease.

So which countries are doing well according to the HANCI? The results indicate that Guatemala ranks at the top and Guinea Bissau (a small West African nation) at the bottom. The index provides an interesting set of information graphics that can be studied. Guatemala has made a substantial political commitment to improving access to clean drinking water, ensuring improved sanitation, promoting complementary feeding practices, and investing in health interventions. I’ve blogged previously about its “Zero Hunger Plan.” Guinea Bissau, on the other hand, has a low ranking because it has failed to invest in agriculture, leaving women in particular vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition; in addition, the country has not yet developed effective safety nets that can provide its citizens with a measure of food security.

In recent years, we’ve seen a truly incredible level of global momentum on nutrition. But how are the major donors doing when it comes to following through on their political commitments to ending hunger and malnutrition? Where would the United States, Canada, Australia, and the EU rank on the HANCI? Do these governments endorse policies and provide funding for programs that augment the efforts of the developing countries most affected by hunger, chronic food insecurity, and malnutrition?

A series of events in June 2013 will help answer these questions, indicating whether donor governments are “walking the walk” -- or just talking -- about their commitment to nutrition.

First, in London on June 8, the U.K. government will host the “Nutrition for Growth” event, during which governments will pledge specific monetary amounts to help scale up nutrition. Following this, during Bread’s National Gathering, we are hosting an event in Washington, DC, called “Sustaining Political Commitments to Scaling Up Nutrition”, to build on our very successful 2011 event. The Call to Action will bring 40 civil society representatives from SUN countries to discuss SUN’s next steps -- and what’s needed to carry them out -- with U.S. government officials, non-governmental organization nutrition stakeholders, and others, including Bread’s grassroots activists who will be in Washington, DC, for the National Gathering. Participants will be able to judge for themselves whether the U.S. government is “walking the walk” on its commitment to ending malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

Stay tuned to this space and the Bread for the World blog for more information.

Scott Bleggi is Senior International Policy Analyst in Bread for the World Institute

House Agriculture Committee is Writing a Farm Bill Now

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The House Agriculture committee is once again writing a farm bill, and it needs to hear from you! If your representative sits on the House Committee on Agriculture, raise your voice and urge him or her to ensure a place at the table for hungry and poor people by protecting programs vital to them.

The farm bill governs SNAP (formerly food stamps) and international food aid. Both are critical anti-hunger programs, and both are at risk of cuts deeper than those proposed in last year’s farm bill process. The House farm bill was just released over the weekend, and it cuts SNAP by more than $20 billion over ten years; it cuts international food aid by $2.5 billion over five years; and it cuts international food aid quality programs by 78 percent. If enacted, these cuts would have devastating consequences.

Time is short: the committee will consider its proposal on Wednesday. Call 1-800-326-4941 and tell your representative that

Cuts to SNAP are unacceptable. The proposed cuts would kick as many as 3 million people from the program, reduce benefits for hundreds of thousands of households, and deprive 280,000 kids of school meals. I urge you to vote against any cuts to SNAP and support efforts to restore any cuts.
I urge you to oppose cuts to food aid and support efforts to make the program more efficient while also targeting the nutritional needs of women and children in the thousand-day window from pregnancy to age 2. International food aid reached 66 million people hit by famine, disasters, and other emergencies. These cuts will cost lives and hinder our ability to effectively reach millions of people in need.

Cuts to these programs will mean no food on the table for millions of our brothers and sisters.

This week is critical as the Senate Agriculture Committee finalizes its farm bill. Call your representative today at 1-800-326-4941 or send an email now.

Thank you for using your voice to help ensure a place at the table for all God's people.

Photo: U.S. Capitol building by flickr user smaedli.

Mobilizing for Justice: Future Pastors Respond to Poverty

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Photo: John, a former banker who is one of the subjects of The Line, shops for himself and his three children at a food pantry. (Film still from The Line, courtesy Magnolia Pictures)

By Alicia Vela

Recently, I worked with Bread for the World regional organizer Zach Schmidt and a few of my seminary classmates to organize a viewing of The Line--a documentary that takes a look at poverty in America. The event was part of a class called “Mobilizing for Justice,” taught by Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, professor at North Park Theological Seminary, and Dr. Dennis Edwards, senior pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis.

After watching the documentary, which follows four highly-relatable stories of Americans living in poverty, we participated in an exercise that shows how poverty cuts across all demographics. We then entered a period of small- and large-group discussion, reflecting on issues surrounding poverty in America and the ways in which the church can and should respond. The night ended with a plea for those present, as future pastors and leaders, to use our power—our pulpit, our congregation members, and our voices—to impact the issue of poverty in our communities and across the country.

During the event, we discussed different ways of responding to poverty, from helping local food pantries and soup kitchens to advocating for policy changes. We had an opportunity to sign Bread’s petition to President Obama, urging him to set a goal and work with Congress to end hunger. The conversation was productive in raising awareness as well allowing us to brainstorm more ways to be involved in addressing poverty. We also collected canned food for the North Park Friendship Center, an organization fighting hunger on Chicago’s North Side.

There are several pieces that I personally took away from my experience with Bread for the World, but the idea of using my voice for advocacy really stood out. I had always thought that as a pastor, I shouldn’t get involved in politics. Being an advocate seemed too divisive in my mind. I have always hidden my political affiliation while working in the church because I thought people would try to argue with me if they had different views. Then I realized that fighting for the hungry is not a political opinion or side, but rather a biblical mandate.

If we take seriously Jesus’s call to love the orphan, fight on behalf the defenseless and care for the weak, we begin to see advocacy as an essential response. As Christians we cannot stand alongside and watch those around us hurt because of the broken systems we have created. We are called to fight for them, to call or write our government leaders and ask for better laws and more care for those who are most vulnerable.

Alicia Vela earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and recently completed her Master of Divinity coursework at North Park Theological Seminary. A Colorado native, she is currently interning at Deer Grove Covenant Church in Palatine, Ill.

Promoting The Right to Know

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:23:27 +0000

Participants from across the world attend the Sunlight Foundation’s third annual Transparency Camp in Washington, DC. (Photo credit: Nicko Margolies)

Developed and developing, north and south, rich and poor—these are some of the dichotomous terms we use to categorize a country's quality of life. Does any country, or any person, fit neatly into one category or another?

Increasingly, though, people are finding that development is more a continuum than an all-or-nothing condition, an up or down vote. Every country whether it’s been labeled “developed” or not, falls somewhere along that continuum. The 2013 Hunger Report acknowledged this point in its recommendation for continued universal ownership of goals after the expiration of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. All countries face the same threats to their development to varying degrees.

The momentum behind this more inclusive way of looking at development and quality of life has been helped along by new concepts and tools. The old standards such as gross domestic product (GDP) or income per capita offer limited insight. Indices such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) point out the need for a more diverse set of indicators to complete the development picture, expanding it to include less obvious but equally important measurements like access to education, gender equality and greenhouse gas emissions.

Transparency is one of the more recent additions to the expanding development concept. It has only been a major priority of U.S. foreign assistance for a relatively short time. The Millennium Challenge Corporation only made “fighting corruption” an absolute requirement for funding recipients in 2002.

Short clip explains how Transparency International guages corruption and why it matters.

More recently, the push for open government has gained rapid momentum as citizens across the world discover promising new ways to track their leaders’ actions, their use of public resources, their campaign contributors, their vested interests in legislation, and more.

Organizations such as Transparency International and the Sunlight Foundation are leading a growing grassroots movement to open government data to public scrutiny. They’re ranking countries by degree of corruption, tracking political ad spending, and crowdsourcing to fill in missing information gaps. Perhaps most important, they’re collaborating internationally as they never have before. For example, Sunlight recently held its first Transparency Camp International, where members of civil society and government employees from 25 countries (of all income and “development” levels) gathered to join the global open government network and absorb the experiences and solutions of others.

The 2013 Hunger Report, Within Reach: Global Development Goals, links open government and transparency to the end goal: good governance. “Improving governance is essential to progress on development,” it explains. “The corrosive effects of government corruption are just one example of how governance problems undermine progress. Good governance, on the other hand, is an enabling condition and a prerequisite to lasting change. Good governance includes many elements, but the most relevant for reducing poverty have to do with creating space for a strong civil society that can hold governments accountable for making progress; building effective institutions to manage and deliver public services; and respecting the rule of law—for example, by protecting the rights of minorities and ensuring that people have recourse to redress for injustices.”

“Most of the work to put these elements in place must be done by national governments and by civil society in developing countries. What the United States and other countries can do as a partner is set high expectations for levels of accountability and transparency. Additionally, they can provide technical know-how, strengthen global institutions that foster good governance, and support leaders who want to govern well. The United States itself must be an example of good governance and continue to work towards becoming more transparent and accountable.”

For more on the importance of transparency in the fight to end hunger, visit hungerreport.org.

A 20 Billion Dollar Cut to SNAP Will Increase Hunger Now

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:15:00 +0000

By Robin Stephenson

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas released his first draft of the farm bill into committee on Friday. His draft would cut SNAP (formerly food stamps) by $20 billion over 10 years. In this weakened economy, need has increased and participation is high, because the safety net has responded as it should, but Rep. Lucas (R-Okla.) would change that with this bill.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), a member of the agriculture committee, said the bill “would make hunger worse and not better.” Last week the congressman gave his tenth End Hunger Now floor speech in advance of the chairman’s draft proposal.

Both the House and Senate will mark up the farm bill this week in their respective committees; the Senate on Tuesday, May 14, and the House on Wednesday, May 15. After the chair offers the first draft, committee members have the opportunity to propose and vote on any amendments, or changes, to the bill. Once a final version is voted out of committee, leadership then adds it to the schedule for a floor vote. Both House and Senate leadership have indicated they would like a farm bill on the summer agenda.

“We are supposed to help people, not hurt people,” said McGovern in his speech.” But if this farm bill goes forward with a $20 billion cut in SNAP, we will be hurting people— millions and millions of people in this country.”

Any cuts to SNAP would prove devastating for vulnerable Americans. SNAP participants are already facing a reduction in benefits—on Nov. 1, a temporary program boost that was included in the 2009 stimulus package will expire. Even more alarming: a recent Institute of Medicine study concluded that the way in which the benefit level is calculated for SNAP is inadequate for a healthy diet. Inadequate as existing levels are, just this expiration will reduce the average benefit to about $1.40 per person per meal, reports the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities. Cutting the program by $20 billion over 10 years would reduce the benefit even further and increase food insecurity even more.

“Outraged” was a term McGovern used repeatedly in his speech. He responded to those who believe cuts would reduce participation. “SNAP isn’t a get-rich scheme,” he said. “People use SNAP to put food on their tables during difficult times. McGovern noted that many people who currently qualify for SNAP do work, but said “[t]he way to reduce the number of people on SNAP is by creating jobs—by helping to get this economy going again.”

In the Senate, the agriculture committee chairwoman’s farm bill draft included a $4.1 billion cut to the SNAP program, which would also create hardship for millions of families. We continue to ask Bread for the World members to call their senators and tell them to ask for a final version with no cuts.

Today, Bread for the World will launch a targeted action alert to our members who have representatives on the committee. During this short window of opportunity, we must get in as many calls as possible to the 44 members who sit on the House agriculture committee. As their constituents, we can demand a final draft that protects programs for hungry people. From Rep. Schrader in Oregon to Rep. Collins in New York, committee members across this nation must hear that any farm bill must help to end hunger now.

Photo: Alex Morris feeds her son, André, in their Bend, Ore., home. Alex depends on SNAP, WIC and other programs to care for André, who suffers from a serious medical condition that affects his hormonal system. (Brad Horn)

Bread for the World Triad of North Carolina Holds Successful Conference

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Rev. James Forbes, shown in 2006, was the keynote speaker at a North Carolina Bread for the World conference last month. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Scott Griessel, flickr user creatista.

By Paula Well and Rev. Bob Herron

On Saturday, April 13, a dream became a reality—a North Carolina Bread for the World Conference took place at the Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro, N.C. Thanks to the efforts of the local Bread Leadership Team of the Triad we held a successful conference that brought attention to issues of hunger in our state, our county, and around the world.

The keynote of the day was given by Dr. James Forbes, pastor emeritus of Riverside Church, in New York City. His words inspired and challenged the more than 100 attendees. During the conference, Dr. Forbes also offered a “homiletics teaching,” a workshop for pastors on methods of preaching justice. LaMarco Cable, deputy director of organizing for Bread’s southern hub, gave a presentation on this year’s Offering of Letters and presidential petition.

During lunch, participants wrote letters to Congress and signed the presidential petition while listening to music from hunger advocate and musician Bryan McFarland. The rest of the time was spent networking with people from various parts of the state and sharing ideas about strengthening our advocacy. We were also very blessed to have a local cinema showing the brilliant documentary A Place at the Table the same time that the conference was taking place. We cannot recommend it highly enough.

We hope that other Bread Leadership Teams will be inspired by hearing about our North Carolina event. We pray that the brilliant preaching of Rev. Forbes and the leadership of LaMarco Cable will take us to new heights. We also pray that the exhilaration of learning how our small voices can be used to amplify important issues will not fade.

Recently, our team reconvened to discuss how we could capitalize on the energy of that day, and we became reinvigorated and ready to plan for our next conference. We feel the ways in which the Holy Spirit emboldens us to dream֫—to dream of a day when, instead of one in six Americans going to bed hungry at night, no one is hungry. We dream of a day when Bread for the World won’t be necessary any longer because the problem of hunger has been solved.

Until that dream is realized, we will continue our work.

Paula Well and Rev. Bob Herron are team members of the Bread for the World Triad of N.C.

International Aid Groups Call for House, Senate Action on Farm Bill

Fri, 10 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

The American Jewish World Service, Bread for the World, CARE, The Modernizing Assistance Network, Oxfam America and Save the Children released the following statement today in advance of the Senate and House committee mark-ups of the 2013 Farm Bill:

“With more than 870 million people suffering from hunger worldwide and Congress looking to ensure wise use of taxpayer funds at home, the 2013 Farm Bill represents a crucial opportunity to make our international food aid programs both more efficient and more cost-effective.

Unfortunately, the current Senate draft Farm Bill, due to be marked up next week, includes the same incremental steps toward reform as last year, but fails to address the fundamental changes that are so badly needed. We urge Senate leaders to work with the Administration to achieve stronger reforms in food aid programs so that American tax dollars can go farther and American compassion can reach more people in need. On the House side, we remain disappointed that the House Agriculture Committee draft once again fails to incorporate any reforms.

In his 2014 budget request, President Obama proposed common sense reforms that would feed millions more people and save lives by delivering aid faster with no additional cost to the taxpayer. This proposal sets an important precedent in building a more modern food aid program. Proposed reforms include allowing for greater flexibility in how the U.S. delivers food to hungry people overseas and ending the inefficient method of having aid groups sell food aid overseas to fund development programs, a practice known as “monetization.” This increased flexibility is a part of a package that would allow food aid to go farther, feeding 2-4 million additional people. These reforms have been greeted with interest by members on both sides of the aisle.

While we are supporting the Administration’s request that the FY 14 Appropriations bills be the vehicle for food aid reform, we recognize that there are several potential paths forward for Congress to achieve these much needed improvements to our international food aid program, and we are fully committed to working with leaders in Congress, including members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees, to get it done this year."

Photo: Somali woman and a malnourished child exit from the medical tent after the child receives emergency medical treatment from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), an active regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations. Somalia is the country worst affected by a severe drought that has ravaged large swaths of the Horn of Africa, leaving an estimated 11 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. (UN Photo/Stuart Price)

President Obama in Mexico

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:13:07 +0000

As the U.S. legislative and national debate on immigration gets fully under way, President Obama paid a state visit to the largest source of modern immigration to the United States – Mexico.

In recent years Mexico has been the source of about 60 percent of all unauthorized immigration to the United States. As such, immigration is consistently one of the highest-priority bilateral topics, along with narcotics trafficking and trade.

During the president’s visit, he acknowledged the changing Mexican economy. Mexico’s economy is the second largest in Latin America, but the country has also long suffered from significant income inequality and widespread poverty.

But poverty is slowly being reduced, even as Mexico continues a bloody battle with narcotic trafficking organizations that claimed an estimated 60,000 lives between 2006 and 2012.

In 2010 for the first time in years, less than half of Mexico’s population was living in poverty. That year, 46 percent of Mexicans lived below the national poverty line. About 10 percent of the population lived in extreme poverty – on less than about $2 a day.

Although this represents progress, about half the population is still living in poverty—thus, many Mexicans continue to look north for economic opportunity and an escape from dire living conditions.

As Congress begins to debate immigration reform in a serious way, President Obama highlighted during his visit to Mexico the importance of maintaining an international perspective on immigration. He pointed out that what happens in Mexico is crucial to a durable immigration policy fix in the United States.

“I … believe that the long-term solution to the challenge of illegal immigration—so we’re not dealing with this, decade after decade—is a growing, prosperous Mexico that creates more jobs and opportunity right here,” the president said last week in Mexico City.

In the midst of an immigration debate that is decidedly focused on domestic concerns and driven by domestic political constituencies, President Obama’s assertion was a refreshing acknowledgement of the international dimensions of immigration, the “push” factors behind it —something Bread for the World Institute has been researching and writing about for several years now.

As the Senate Judiciary Committee finalizes its version of the bill, it would be wise to heed the president’s message on immigration. This way, reform can be truly comprehensive and lasting.

Hunger in the News: Farm Bill, SNAP, Food Aid

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:30:00 +0000

A regular, non-comprehensive roundup of current news links on hunger and poverty issues from around the Web.

"Congress Set to Begin Work on Farm Bill," by Ron Nixon, New York Times. A solid, basic look at the what will happen in the Senate and House around the farm bill, the rough timetable, and what is at stake.

"Top Chef star urges Congress to support anti-hunger programs," by Josh Hicks, Washington Post. Tom Colicchio joined Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) at a screening of A Place at the Table and met with members of Congress to encourage them to protect and strengthen programs that fight hunger.

"Food aid for the 21st century," by John Kerry, Tom Vilsack, and Rajiv Shah, Chicago Tribune (op-ed). Secretary of State Kerry, Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack, and USAID administrator Shah on modernizing food aid.

"Twelve Things You Can to To Fight Poverty Now," by Greg Kaufmann, The Nation. Sister Simone Campbell of NETWORK Lobby, Marci Phillips of the National Council on Aging, Jim Will of Food Research and Action Center, tell you what you can do, right now to make a difference. (No.11: Tell Congress: Increase, Don't Cut SNAP).

"These Three Charts Show How the World Could End Extreme Poverty by 2030," by Howard Schneider, Washington Post.

What Leaving Poverty Looks Like

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:04:00 +0000

One of Bangladesh's main exports is fish. Photo credit: USAID.

Dr. Muhammed Yunus and the Grameen Bank are well-known pioneers of microfinance -- i.e., making modest loans to poor people that enable them to create sustainable improvements in their lives, largely by building small businesses. When Yunus founded the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh in 1983, the necessity of country-led development, let alone decision-making by poor people themselves, was not recognized. Lending a woman $75 to buy a sewing machine was a revolutionary concept.

Much has been written since then about the microfinance movement, its accomplishments, continuing debates, and more. Here, we emphasize one of Grameen's contributions to our understanding of global poverty: a very concrete definition that can help educate policymakers in donor countries about its realities and solutions.

In the United States, we tend to define poverty in terms of dollar income. So we readily understand the idea of an international poverty line -- originally $1 a day, now $1.25. Donors also realize that poverty has many implications for hunger, health, education, and other spheres. But the Grameen Bank recognized early on that poverty occurs in a context, and that communities themselves must determine who is poor and what it means to leave poverty.

Yunus and Grameen developed a checklist of 10 indicators that gauge whether a microfinance participant and her family have, in fact, escaped from poverty in Bangladesh. It's a helpful counterbalance to our sometimes abstract notions of who "the poor" are and what their priority needs might be. The specifics are:

The family home has a tin roof or is valued at 25,000 taka or more (about $300-$325). Each member of the family sleeps in a bed rather than on the floor.
The family drinks clean water -- either from wells, or boiled, or purified using arsenic-free tablets.
All children age 6 or older are either going to school or have finished primary school.
The microloan is being repaid in installments of at least 200 taka a week (about $2.50).
The family uses a sanitary latrine.
Family members have adequate everyday clothing, warm clothing for winter (such as sweaters and blankets), and mosquito nets.
The family has a source of additional income, such as a vegetable garden or fruit trees, that they can fall back on when necessary.
The microloan borrower maintains an average savings account balance of 5,000 taka (about $60-$65).
The family has no difficulty providing each member with three square meals a day throughout the year.
The family can afford necessary medical treatment if someone falls ill.

Grameen's indicators proved to be a reliable way of identifying those most in need and gauging their progress. Later, the indicators were broadened to form the Progress out of Poverty Index (PPI). The PPI uses similar data -- including what material a family's roof is made of -- to enable development organizations to calculate how likely it is that a given family lives below the national poverty line. So far, PPIs have been tailored to conditions in 45 countries.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Yunus was here in Washington, DC, to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, it is the highest American award for civilians. In 2006, Yunus and Grameen Bank won the Nobel Peace Price. Both have clearly made major contributions to Bangladesh's significant progress against hunger. For more on how that progress is being sustained, see the introduction to the 2013 Hunger Report, Within Reach: Global Development Goals.

Michele Learner is associate editor for Bread for the World Institute.

Lazarus National Gathering

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World will kick off its 2013 National Gathering next month with a revival of Lazarus: The Musical, based on the New Testament parable featured in Luke 16:19-31. The new arrangement of Lazarus will premiere on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C.

Proposal for Changes in Food Aid Sets Off Infighting in Congress

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON — A proposal by the Obama administration to overhaul the international food aid program has set off a jurisdictional fight among members of several House and Senate committees, threatening to derail the most significant change to the program since it was created nearly 60 years ago.

"A Place at the Table" - Farm Subsidies

breadfortheworld — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:05:02 +0000

	"A Place at the Table" - Farm Subsidies A clip from "A Place at the Table" which explains farm subsidies. Courtesy of Participant Media and Magnolia Pictures.	From: breadfortheworld Views: 93 0 ratings
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May 2013 Newsletter

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

By her second birthday, a healthy toddler is talking, walking, and steadily moving toward a life of opportunity. Parents around the world marvel at the phenomenal progress that their child makes from the moment that the mother discovers that she is pregnant to that special birthday one thousand days later.

Nearly one thousand days ago a global initiative to improve maternal and child nutrition was born. As Bread for the World prepares for our 2013 National Gathering—a biennial convergence of grassroots anti-hunger advocates—Bread for the World Institute is celebrating, taking stock of, and looking at next steps for the 1,000 Days Partnership and the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement.

If Congress Can Keep Planes in the Air, Why Can’t It Feed Hungry People?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World is disappointed in Congress’ ongoing brinkmanship over the most harmful aspects of the sequester as it passes piecemeal solutions to certain agencies’ cuts. Late last week, an overwhelming majority of congressional Democrats and Republicans approved the Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013. This temporary fix gives the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the authority to spend up to $253 million of its current budget to ensure that more flights depart on time.

Religious Leaders to Government: We Must Get Our Fiscal House In Order

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Both Republicans and Democrats have a religion problem, and it has nothing to do with same-sex marriage, abortion, or religious liberty. Rather, their serious stumbling blocks are budgets, deficits, and debt-ceiling deadlines.

Finding Our Place

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

May's liturgical observances locate Jesus in heaven, the Spirit among us, and both within the community of the Trinity. By month’s end, all are in place to continue the divine drama of God’s saving work among us. As preachers, our challenge is to help our listeners discover their own place in that drama. The month begins with the reminder from Revelation that the destination of our story is a place for "the healing of the nations." May your preaching be an invitation to that place.

Reforming Food Aid to Improve Maternal and Child Nutrition

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama proposed a budget for fiscal year 2014 that would reduce federal deficits while largely protecting programs that support hungry and poor people in the United States and around the world. The proposal is particularly encouraging because it includes important reforms to our international food aid system -- allowing greater flexibility and increasing efficiency so that food aid reaches millions more people. This is a major step forward.

Food program is cut in half

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

When state and federal programs are cut because of sequestration or austerity, our entire society suffers.

Bread for the World’s National Gathering

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World announces an impressive lineup of speakers for its 2013 National Gathering, June 8-11 in Washington, D.C. From world-renowned preachers and international development and nutrition experts to high-ranking government officials and members of Congress, this biennial event will equip participants with tools to effectively advocate on behalf of people living with hunger or poverty.

Flake Staffer and Nogales Native Reaches Out

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Locals now have a direct line to the Tucson office of Sen. Jeff Flake, thanks to monthly office hours being held at Nogales City Hall.

Bipartisan Efforts to Reform Immigration

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World is encouraged by the Senate’s bipartisan efforts towards comprehensive immigration reform.

Letter to the Editor: Food Assistance

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The Saturday April 6 editorial, "Food needs more thought," raises important issues of nutritional concern for our nation's youth and schools. We should be at least equally concerned that many youth have limited access to food of any kind, and that the recent sequester cuts and budget proposals will be devastating to the millions of families forced to rely on our government safety net programs for basic sustenance.

Transforming Foreign Assistance

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The amount of good our nation has done for poor and hungry people around the world over the last ten years is astounding. We have saved and improved millions of lives through programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was launched by former President George W. Bush to battle the disease in Africa, and the Feed the Future initiative, which President Obama started to support small farmers and the growth of local economies in developing countries.

President Obama’s FY Budget Demonstrates Compromise;

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World applauds President Barack Obama’s FY 2014 budget for reducing deficits while largely protecting programs for hungry and poor people. Released today, the budget reflects a serious attempt at compromise by balancing tough spending cuts with additional revenue.

International aid groups applaud reforms to food aid

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

This statement is delivered on behalf of the endorsing organizations: ActionAid, American Jewish World Service, Bread for the World, CARE, Church World Service, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Maryknoll, The Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network, ONE, Oxfam America and Partners in Health.

Bread for the World's National Gathering

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World invites members and anti-hunger advocates from around the country to Washington, D.C., June 8-11 for the 2013 National Gathering. The organization’s premier event features renowned preachers, high-level government officials, members of Congress, development and nutrition experts, and other well-known speakers—presiding over worship, delivering legislative information, engaging participants in anti-hunger advocacy, and more.

Immigration Reform as a Way to Reduce Poverty

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Offering a chance to escape poverty is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the American immigration system. Over centuries, immigration has provided economic opportunity to tens of millions of impoverished families from around the world. We don’t often talk about U.S. immigration policy as a mechanism for lifting people out of poverty, but that’s what it has been to people from Galway, Ireland, to Guangzhou, China, to Guadalajara, Mexico.

As I Have Loved You

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Sometimes simple songs capture deep truth. The April lectionary readings give us ample opportunity to explore meaning of the resurrection and the ways that the first believers responded to it. By the fifth Sunday of Easter, though, the Gospel lesson takes us back to the Maundy Thursday mandate that frames it all: “Just as I have loved you, you should love one another” (John 13:34).

April 2013 e-Newsletter

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

As you prepare your taxes, take some time to reflect on where your dollars are going. Many of those dollars go to pay for the infrastructure that holds us together as a nation. Very few go toward helping people in dire need. But those few dollars may hold the most value. Imagine what one dollar’s worth of food means to a senior citizen with an empty cupboard. Think of what a healthy breakfast means to a fifth-grader who would otherwise have to learn arithmetic on an empty stomach.

Evangelicals Ramp Up Immigration Ads

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

As part of a six-figure campaign to promote an overhaul of immigration laws, a coalition of evangelical Christian groups on Tuesday launched radio ads in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.

Another View: Aid the Hungry this Easter

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

A survey by the National Retail Federation says Americans will spend about $17.2 billion on Easter this year.

Imagine if that spending could be changed, just even a little bit. If $1 billion of that amount went to global hunger relief it could fund emergency humanitarian efforts in war-devastated Syria, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Mali and other countries.

Senate Budget Resolution Largely Protects Hungry and Poor People

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Bread for the World applauds the U.S. Senate for passing a fiscal year 2014 budget resolution that generally protects programs that help people who are hungry.

Myama Against the Odds

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

When Africa's worst cholera epidemic in 15 years struck Sierra Leone, mothers and young children in Mabella slum found themselves in a breeding ground for the disease.

March 2013 Newsletter

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:00:00 +0000

The 2013 Offering of Letters, "A Place at the Table" shares its theme with a major new documentary about hunger in America, also titled A Place at the Table. Both urge our national leaders to look around the figurative table and see who’s missing.

Barbie's Story

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:43:08 +0000

	Barbie's Story Barbie's Story (04:16) illustrates how the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Prog...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 1667 4 ratings
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John's Story

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:42:42 +0000

	John's Story John's Story (05:38) follows a single father in the Chicago suburbs who lost his middle class job during the recession and is now piecing together income and...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 127 1 ratings
	Time: 05:39	More in Nonprofits & Activism

Rosie's Story

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:42:11 +0000

	Rosie's Story Rosie's Story (03:21) reveals the challenges of a 10-year-old rural girl living in a food insecure household and a community's response to her hunger. This v...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 201 2 ratings
	Time: 03:22	More in Nonprofits & Activism

Sheila's Story

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:41:33 +0000

	Sheila's Story Sheila's Story (03:52) tells the inspiring story of a single mother in Chicago who overcame poverty and violence to make a better life for her children. This...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 29 1 ratings
	Time: 03:52	More in Nonprofits & Activism

Malnutrition is Everywhere

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:41:16 +0000

	Malnutrition is Everywhere Malnutrition Is Everywhere (04:05) illustrates the benefits of poverty-focused development assistance. Shot at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Home in Dhangadhi...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 49 1 ratings
	Time: 04:06	More in Nonprofits & Activism

John's Story Spanish

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:41:01 +0000

	John's Story Spanish La Historia de John (05:38)le da seguimiento a un padre soltero oriundo de los suburbios de Chicago quien perdió su trabajo de clase media durante la recesió...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 17 0 ratings
	Time: 05:39	More in Nonprofits & Activism

Malnutrition is Everywhere (Spanish)

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:40:46 +0000

	Malnutrition is Everywhere (Spanish) La Desnutrición la Encontramos en Todos Lados (04:05) ilustra los beneficios de la ayuda internacional de Estados Unidos para el desarrollo enfocado en la po...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 9 0 ratings
	Time: 04:03	More in Nonprofits & Activism

Sheila's Story Spanish

breadfortheworld — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:39:55 +0000

	Sheila's Story Spanish La Historia de Sheila (03:52) relata la inspiradora historia de una madre soltera en la ciudad de Chicago, quien se sobrepone a la pobreza y violencia para l...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 11 0 ratings
	Time: 03:52	More in Nonprofits & Activism

God Will Make a Way

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

As our Lenten preaching follows Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and eventually the cross, Isaiah reminds us of the God who makes a way where there is no way (Isaiah 43). Faith in that God makes this journey bearable. This "make a way" God turns the journey to the cross into a resurrection journey.

Ofrenda de Cartas del año 2013 de Pan para el Mundo - Todos

breadfortheworld — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:27:27 +0000

	Ofrenda de Cartas del año 2013 de Pan para el Mundo - Todos	From: breadfortheworld Views: 45 0 ratings
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February 2013 e-Newsletter

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

On March 1, 2013, Bread for the World will be setting places at two tables.

One is "A Place at the Table: Bread for the World’s 2013 Offering of Letters."

The other is a new feature-length documentary, A Place at the Table, which shows the persistence of hunger in the United States.

Together, the two "Tables" represent a united effort to end hunger by raising awareness and advocating for policy changes. By coordinating our Offering and Letters with the social action campaign of the movie, Bread for the World will be promoting a national dialogue about how to best secure the leadership, commitment, and unity to end hunger in our country and abroad.

Defend the Cause of the Poor

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

What happened to ordinary time? Moving from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday in five weeks leaves us just two February Sundays before we begin following Jesus on his journey toward the cross. The texts for these Sundays offer rich opportunities to explore themes of compassion and justice. And they help frame decisions being made in the nation’s capital during the current fiscal debates: Will there be good or bad news for the poor? What is our responsibility to the "aliens" among us?

Are You Called?

breadfortheworld — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:09:42 +0000

	Are You Called? Answer the call. Join us in setting a place at God's abundant table for hungry and poor people. Pray. Learn. Act. Advocacy - with a twist. http://www.bread.o...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 238 7 ratings
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"A Place at the Table" - 2013 Offering of Letters

breadfortheworld — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:26:32 +0000

	"A Place at the Table" - 2013 Offering of Letters	From: breadfortheworld Views: 1106 7 ratings
	Time: 04:34	More in Nonprofits & Activism

A Place at the Table - Movie Trailer

breadfortheworld — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:05:11 +0000

	A Place at the Table - Movie Trailer Bread for the World's 2013 Offering of Letters, "A Place at the Table," will be launched March 2013 to coincide with the release of a feature film of the sam...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 361 4 ratings
	Time: 02:27	More in Nonprofits & Activism

January - February 2013 Newsletter

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Resilience and innovation. These two words perhaps best describe the work of Bread for the World over the past three years. December 2012 marked the completion of Bread’s most recent three-year plan, our fifth such plan since we started the practice in 1998. The completion of the plan presents an opportunity to look back on what we have accomplished and gird ourselves for the challenges ahead.

From 2010-2012, Bread for the World met or surpassed most of its benchmarks, as evidenced by its annual organization-wide evaluation. The assessment, which is handled by the Institute, was developed in 2007 with the help of the Center for Nonprofit Strategies. It is based on how Bread for the World and its affiliates impact the lives of hungry and poor people at home and abroad.

Let Us Pray

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

New beginnings are always an occasion for hope — especially to those of us who trust that God is at work in them. Politically speaking, the first year of a new presidential term is always the best opportunity for bold initiatives. There is a short window, before mid-term election politics encroach, to enact creative solutions to hunger, poverty, and immigration. So let us pray for our president, for the Congress, and for the nation.

Introducing "A Place at the Table" (Bread for the World's 2013 Offering of Letters)

breadfortheworld — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:36:35 +0000

	Introducing "A Place at the Table" (Bread for the World's 2013 Offering of Letters) Bread for the World's 2013 Offering of Letters, "A Place at the Table," will be launched March 2013 to coincide with the release of a feature film of the sam...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 458 5 ratings
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December 2012 e-Newsletter

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The people have spoken, and we have elected our leader for the next four years. But as President Barack Obama sets his priorities for his second term, we need to remind him of his election promise to offer help and opportunity to the 22 percent of American children who live in poverty and the nearly 1 billion people worldwide who lack basic necessities.

As scripture encourages us (1 Timothy 2:1-2*), please join us in prayer for our leader, especially during this season of Advent. President Obama's second inauguration on Jan. 21 provides an occasion to articulate another prayer, one modeled after David’s supplication for Solomon. Psalm 72, the "Coronation Psalm," provides guidance for our leader, asking that he "defend the cause of the poor of the people [and] give deliverance to the needy."

Our Advent Longing

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Advent touches us in that place where we long for "the crooked to be made straight." And that longing is only heightened by the shallowness and self-centeredness that commences with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. At some point, we realize that John's invitation to "come and repent" is more life giving than Walmart’s invitation to "come and shop."

Tohomina: Fighting malnutrition in Bangladesh

breadfortheworld — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 04:28:23 +0000

	Tohomina: Fighting malnutrition in Bangladesh Tohomina Akter dreams of the day her 17-month-old daughter, Adia, will a doctor. But only by keeping Adia healthy and nourished in their town of Barisal, Ban...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 757 1 ratings
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November - December 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:00:00 +0000

In a few weeks, the journey of the Magi will end when they find Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem. Like the Magi, we have traveled for many days in our quest to eliminate hunger in our world. Throughout our trek, we have stayed focused on our guiding star — Jesus' charge that we take care of "the least of these."

Since June, my last report to you, we have continued to forestall major cuts to programs that protect hungry and poor people. We continue to press on with our 2012 Offering of Letters campaign, "Expanding the Circle of Protection," despite the political polarization in an election year.

Widows, Orphans, and Holiday Sentimentality

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

James reminds us that pure religion has to do with caring for widows and orphans in their distress. The lectionary readings for November give us an opportunity to explore that theme more deeply—just as the coming holiday season will engage our members in caring for those "less fortunate."

Preaching in an Election Month

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The October calendar is crammed with special observances focusing on justice issues. Bread for the World Sunday is October 21, and many of our friends and partners have their own special "Days" clustered around World Food Day, October 16. They are all expressions of the yearning that God's abundance might be more broadly shared in a hungry world.

September - October 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This fall, voters face important questions about the kind of nation we want the United States to be. One of the blessings of this year’s general election is that federal budget issues are in the spotlight more than ever, creating greater opportunities for a national conversation about what it will take to end hunger and poverty. This election provides each of us with a calling to speak out about the importance of funding vital food assistance and poverty programs.

PSA: African American Voices for Africa

breadfortheworld — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:48:55 +0000

	PSA: African American Voices for Africa For more information about Bread for the World's African American Voices for Africa initiative, please contact Derrick Boykin, Associate for African American...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 466 4 ratings
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"We cannot balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable ..."

breadfortheworld — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:39:57 +0000

	"We cannot balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable ..." The Christian leaders who initiated the "Circle of Protection" asked the two major nominees for president to offer a brief video of how they would seek to ov...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 13823 144 ratings
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Romney's Video on the Circle of Protection

breadfortheworld — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:39:35 +0000

	Romney's Video on the Circle of Protection The Christian leaders who initiated the "Circle of Protection" asked the two major nominees for president to offer a brief video of how they would seek to ov...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 4439 70 ratings
	Time: 03:36	More in Nonprofits & Activism

Jesus' Way

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

In the month of September, the lectionary reminds us of core values and behaviors for followers of Jesus: pursuing God's will, integrating our inner and outer lives, refusing to show partiality based on money, and supporting other disciples. At the same time, the church program year begins again, schools start, and an election season demands attention.

Sharing the Bread of Life

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

For those who follow the lectionary, there is no escaping the “bread of life/bread of heaven” focus in August as we move through Jesus’ discourse in the sixth chapter of John. But the richness of those texts, combined with this month’s other lectionary themes, such as leadership, power, and community, offer great preaching opportunities. How better to proclaim God’s abundant promises than with images of bread and of communities in which there is no more hunger or thirst?

July - August 2012 Newsletter

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

In the last six months, Bread for the World members, staff, and people of faith have successfully prevented massive budget cuts to programs vital to hungry and poor people. "We created a circle of protection around these programs and now we must maintain these protections especially as the 112th Congress winds up its lame duck session in the fall," said Rev. David Beckmann, Bread’s president.

Phone calls, personal visits, numerous Offerings of Letters, and personal emails have consistently told members of Congress that they should not balance the budget on the backs of hungry and poor people.

The Jamay Jalisco Club

breadfortheworld — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:16:49 +0000

	The Jamay Jalisco Club Across the United States, people like Pedro Ochoa are raising funds for community projects in poor Mexican towns they left behind when they migrated. Ochoa, ...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 1672 12 ratings
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Africa on the Ground: Reflection by Rev. Derrick Boykin

breadfortheworld — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:04:15 +0000

	Africa on the Ground: Reflection by Rev. Derrick Boykin In October 2011, Bread for the World hosted a delegation of religious leaders during a visit to three African SUN countries: Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Th...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 151 0 ratings
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May-June 2012 Newsletter

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

We’ve accomplished much over the last six months, especially in preventing massive cuts to programs vital to hungry and poor people. And—for the first time in history—a sitting president delivered a major speech on hunger, a clear sign that global hunger and malnutrition has moved higher in the administration’s list of priorities.

Somos Pan para el Mundo

breadfortheworld — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:09:28 +0000

	Somos Pan para el Mundo	From: breadfortheworld Views: 111 1 ratings
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Bread for the World Lobby Day: "The Only Difference"

breadfortheworld — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:58:32 +0000

	Bread for the World Lobby Day: "The Only Difference" Join Bread for the World at Lobby Day, where you can personally discuss hunger and poverty issues with your member of Congress. Learn more at http://www.brea...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 449 3 ratings
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We are Bread for the World

breadfortheworld — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:24:45 +0000

	We are Bread for the World Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. You can learn more about us at http...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 1299 4 ratings
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Creando un Círculo de Protección Contra el Hambre (la Ofrenda de Cartas 2012)

breadfortheworld — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:33:17 +0000

	Creando un Círculo de Protección Contra el Hambre (la Ofrenda de Cartas 2012) Obtenga más información y solicite al Congreso crear un círculo de protección alrededor de los programas para las personas más necesitadas y quienes padecen ...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 249 3 ratings
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Los Frijoles de Jane (la Ofrenda de Cartas 2012)

breadfortheworld — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:10:36 +0000

	Los Frijoles de Jane (la Ofrenda de Cartas 2012) Obtenga más información y solicite al Congreso que proteja los programas de asistencia al extranjera. Visite http://www.bread.org/OL. ++++++++++ Jane Sabbi, ...	From: breadfortheworld Views: 239 1 ratings
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A Hunger for Advocacy

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Tara Marks sits on the edge of her chair. She looks her senator’s aide straight in the eye and nicely, but firmly, asks him to consider the needs of low-income people.

Calling for Justice

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The kitchen of El Milagro Lutheran Church is the nerve center of this busy Minneapolis congregation. A stream of people bustle in and out of the room—to chat, pour themselves a cup of coffee, or drop off food for the post-service lunch.

Heather's Story

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

A small desk with a laptop, books, and a chair sits in Heather's living room. Her two children and even her two dogs know not to touch anything on that desk. “That’s mommy’s desk,” says Heather's 5-year-old daughter, Naomi.

HIV/AIDS in Uganda and St. Francis Health Care Services

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

AIDS-related deaths in Uganda have orphaned 1.2 million children, according to UNAIDS. St. Francis Health Care Services, a clinic not far from the source of the Nile River in Uganda, is helping grandmothers care for their orphaned children. Faustine Ngarambe, St. Francis's founder and executive director, tells us about the clinic's grandmothers program.

Music this month is by Nikita Cherkasov and Evgeny Emelyanov.

Bread's 2012 Hunger Report

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

U.S. food and farm policies are in need of revamping. So this month we talk with Todd Post, editor of Bread for the World Institute’s 2012 Hunger Report, about why people should care about these policies, the importance of nutrition programs, and the generosity of one particular farmer he met. The Hunger Report will be released on November 21, 2011 on www.hungerreport.org.

Music this month by Lovira.

An Interview with the Capital Area Food Bank's Brian Banks

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The Capital Area Food Bank distributes 32 million pounds of food each year, making it the largest, nonprofit hunger and nutrition education resource in the Washington Metropolitan area. Bread for the World has been working with the Capital Area Food Bank to show how direct-service organizations and advocacy organizations can work together to make a difference for hungry people. Kristen Youngblood, Bread's media relations specialist, and Brian Banks, the Food Bank's Director of Public Policy and Community Outreach, recently discussed how the face of hunger has changed and what people can do to help.

Music is by Stefano Mocini.

September 2011: Cooking Healthy School Food

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

School food gets a bad rap, but the Washington, D.C., public school district is working to change that. Alisa Booze Troetschel, Bread for the World's multimedia intern, brings us the story. Music is by Lena Selyanina.

Interview with Ched Myers

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Congress passed a debt deal but we still need to protect federal programs that help vulnerable people. Breadcast recently spoke with Ched Myers about Sabbath economics. It's the concept of applying the Biblical Sabbath to modern economics so wealth is more equitably distributed. Myers is a theologian at Bartimaeus Ministries in California.

Music this month is from I Am Not Lefthanded.

Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Eating fresh, locally grown food has become a bit of a healthy obsession in the United States. One small slice of this eat-local movement is the Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction, which started seven years ago because growers wanted a central, local place to sell their produce. Buyers drive from as far as four hours away to purchase just-harvested squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. Buyers get fresh produce and growers — most of whom are Mennonite — get a guaranteed market that helps sustain their family-oriented life.

This month's music is from david.

Fighting Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in Uganda

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Over two-thirds of the population in Uganda works in agriculture, according to the OECD. Yet this East African nation still has high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity: one out of five people is undernourished and two out of five children are malnourished, according to a recent USAID report. Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe, a food technology and nutrition professor at Makerere University in Kampala, recently talked with us about Uganda’s situation and what is being done. Makerere University teams up with Iowa State University and VEDCO, a Ugandan NGO, on agriculture projects around Uganda. You can learn more about the three groups' work at www.vedcouganda.org.

This month's music is by Bravadúnia.

On Being a Small Farmer (And the Magic of Potatoes)

Mon, 02 May 2011 05:00:00 +0000

More than half of American farmers work other jobs to make ends meet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These farmers enjoy raising animals or growing food. Denise and Tom Peterson are two such people. They run Blue Door Garden, a fruit, vegetable, and flower farm in southwestern Virginia, near the border with North Carolina and Tennessee. They also work for Appalachian Sustainable Development, a nonprofit that helps small farmers and educates the community about farming and local foods. In this Breadcast episode, Denise and Tom talk about why they farm (they find potatoes particularly magical) and how they help small farmers.

Music by Josh Woodward.

Breadcast Extra: David Beckmann on The Kojo Nnamdi Show

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

What are the nation's leaders doing to help hungry and poor people in the U.S. and abroad? Earlier today David Beckmann appeared on The Kojo Nnamdi Show, where he discussed this issue in relation to global food security, his recent fast and the implications of the potential budget cuts. Also on the show: Dan Glickman, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

All the programs that help hungry and poor people - if you include the programs that help poor people in our country or hungry people in other countries, it's still not a big part of the federal budget. They did not cause this deficit. -David Beckmann

Fasting to Advocate for Poor and Hungry People

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Fasting is a spiritual discipline mentioned frequently in the Bible. Ambassador Tony Hall, head of the Alliance to End Hunger, is fasting to focus attention on Congress's plan to cut federal programs that reduce poverty and hunger in the United States and around the world. He is joined in his fast by Bread for the World's David Beckmann, New York Times columnist Mark Bittman, and Women Thrive Worldwide founder Ritu Sharma. We spoke with Tony about 24 hours after his fast began.

Also in this episode: An interview with Father Peter Henriot, a priest who has worked in Zambia since 1989. He talked with us about advocacy and how people can get involved with issues they care about. Do you want to become a stronger advocate for hungry and poor people? Join us at our biennial Gathering this June, where hundreds of people from across the United States will learn about advocacy.

Music this month is courtesy of Deo Gratias.

Making Cocoa

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0000

David Kpan’s cocoa farm is a 20-minute walk from his home, across skinny dirt paths and small streams that lie under a couple acres of lush trees.

The Sweet Taste of Cocoa

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

If you could use only two words to describe David Kpan’s approach to life, the words on his motorbike’s license plate would suffice: “Patience Pays.”

The Power of the Purse

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Forty women sit on wooden chairs in the hot sun, holding their purses as they wait for their turn to repay their loans.

The Road to a College Degree

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0000

“I hope that my story gives people the idea that they don’t absolutely have to be stuck,” says DeEtte Peck. “It is not easy to escape from poverty, but it can be done."

Cell Phones, Composting, and Emergency Feeding Centers

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The people of Burkina Faso — a landlocked West African country just north of Ghana — are extremely vulnerable to hunger because of poverty and climate change.

Preschool in Tanzania

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Amina, a preschooler in the Eastern African village of Bagamoyo, Tanzania, comes to school each day clutching her pencil so no one will take it. She is one of 40 children in a classroom where writing utensils are scarce. The pencils are often cut or broken in half to accommodate more students. When she wants to play, Amina hands her pencil to me for safekeeping.