Hunger is one of the most devastating, widespread epidemics in the world. It affects nearly 1 billion people, many of them children.

And right now, 8 million people in the Horn of Africa alone are facing severe food and water shortages due to a devastating drought.  Because the seasonal rains never came, harvests have failed, livestock have died, and people are on the move in search of water and food for themselves and pastures for their livestock. The result is a downward spiral for millions of people; they are hungrier and poorer without a way to feed themselves or make a living.

In some parts of Somalia and Kenya up to 30 percent of the population is suffering from acute malnutrition – double the amount needed to declare a humanitarian emergency.

We are facing an urgent crisis. Hunger and poverty are severe and life-threatening. What’s needed now is an immediate response, especially for the most vulnerable: women, young children and the elderly.

The United States can help create a world where no one goes hungry. Please act now to support a comprehensive U.S. plan to end global hunger!

The United States must lead the way toward a world where no child goes hungry.

I support an urgent, comprehensive plan to fight global hunger.

The United States government must lead the way toward a world where no one – especially children – goes hungry.

I support the development of a comprehensive plan to fight global hunger, and urge you to:

— Invest in low-income farmers, particularly women who, as a whole, are underserved by existing
programs. The vast majority of the world’s poor rely on agriculture for their livelihoods; improving the
profitability of smallholder farms is critical for breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty, and promoting long-term development.

— Foster nutrition programs, especially for young children. Research shows that if children are
malnourished, their physical and intellectual development will be permanently impaired?holding back generations from helping their families and communities escape poverty.

— Urge the White House to create an Office on Global Hunger and appoint a hunger coordinator to
integrate technical assistance from agencies that have considerable expertise in key areas needed to
bring an end to global hunger.

Thank you for taking action on this life-threatening crisis.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

“The true test of faith is how we treat those who can do nothing in return.” -Dillon Burroughs

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DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell), and Thirst No More (November). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.