BILL: Food for thought

Many people have the perception that the United States does more than enough to help reduce global poverty. In fact, many people believe that the U.S. dedicates 25 percent of its federal budget to foreign aid, but in reality, the number is less than 1 percent.

Something as simple as dedicating more budget to aiding foreign countries or passing legislation such as the Food for Peace Modernization Act, would be a huge step in furthering the success foreign aid has already had. Something as small as flawed logistics is preventing the U.S. from helping the 800 million people who are in need of food aid. Not only does this obviously harm those people, it’s costing us money.

As of right now, only 30 percent of Food for Peace funds is used to pay for actual food for those 800 million people. The Food for Peace Modernization Act is key to fixing those cost inefficiencies that are preventing critical aid from reaching those people. We should be saving these human lives because we can save them. But if that’s not compelling enough, providing food aid to impoverished countries can help improve our economy.

Forty-three out of the top 50 nations who import American agricultural products used to be recipients of food aid from America. Food security is such an important factor for the continued development and stabilization of impoverished countries. This is why our leaders, Sen. Mike Crapo, Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Raul Labrador, should strongly consider cosponsoring this legislation.

RACHEL PARK

Coeur d’Alene