Tuesday, April 05, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christian Activists to ‘Change the Politics of Hunger’ at Bread for the World’s National Gathering 2011

Washington, DC—Changing the politics of hunger is the focus of Bread for the World’s National Gathering 2011, to be held in Washington, DC, June 11-14, 2011. Event speakers will include world-renowned preachers, high-level government officials, members of Congress and staff, development and nutrition experts, and journalists.

“This year’s National Gathering will show people of faith how they can change the politics of hunger and change history for hungry people worldwide,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “Attendees will hear from very powerful and dynamic speakers.”

Confirmed speakers include New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman, Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Ched Myers of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, 2010 World Food Prize laureate David Beckmann, and the Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.

“This is a wonderful conference with like-minded people who have a passion to extend the grace of food to those who are underfed and hungry,” said Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas. “It is the right cause and the right movement that makes the world a more humane place. I chose to participate because participation makes me more humane.”

The event will include a special international meeting on ending maternal and child malnutrition. The meeting, co-organized by Bread for the World Institute and Ireland’s Concern Worldwide, will bring together non-governmental organization leaders, nutrition experts, and decision makers from nearly a dozen developing countries. The conference aims to build political support and momentum for a global campaign that focuses on the right nutrition for mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from pregnancy to the child’s second birthday.

“The United States and other countries must support foreign assistance programs that emphasize better nutrition for women and children,” said Rev. Beckmann. “Research shows that the effects of malnutrition during this critical time are irreversible.”

National Gathering 2011 will culminate with a Capitol Hill Lobby Day, where attendees will meet with their members of Congress.

Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.