Save the Children Welcomes Passage of 2018 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 21, 2018) – Save the Children applauds the passage and enactment into law of H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known as the “Farm Bill.”  The 2018 Farm Bill takes important steps to continue U.S. leadership in reaching vulnerable communities most acutely impacted by recurring crises.  This law is a strong reaffirmation of the importance of international food security programs at a time when these programs have been under threat.

“U.S. leadership has been critical in responding to humanitarian crises and emergencies while also building resilience and working to address the chronic conditions that contribute to food insecurity and nutrition. Food for Peace Title II and the McGovern-Dole program have been critical to reaching the most vulnerable children, families, and communities facing food insecurity,” Carolyn Miles, President and CEO of Save the Children, said. “Congress’s overwhelming bipartisan support for these programs helps ensure that these programs continue.”

The Farm Bill maintains both the emergency and the long-term development function of the Food for Peace program – a critical step in helping create the conditions under which U.S. foreign assistance is no longer needed as well as helping to reduce malnutrition among children and families.

The Farm Bill also reauthorizes the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, whose key objective is to reduce hunger and improve literacy and primary education through an integrated approach.  This program, helped reached 3 million children and their families in 2015. McGovern-Dole is more than school feeding program: It’s a sustainable investment in communities. In addition to boosting school enrollment and academic performance, the program also focuses on improving children’s overall health, including through deworming and improved hygiene, and by offering nutrition programs for pregnant and nursing women, infants, and pre-schoolers. The program’s design helps ensure families are able to send their daughters and sons to school.  

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.