Congress Must Focus On Child Nutrition, Says Former World Bank Official

By Samira Sadeque - Talk Radio News Service

The Rev. David Beckmann, president of the organization Bread for the World, says Congress must reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act, as well as take other steps to end poverty.

During a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Beckmann said that although poverty levels in the U.S. have slightly decreased over the last 30 years, more must be done.

“If countries as different as Bangladesh, Brazil and Britain can reduce poverty, it’s clearly possible in the USA.”

Noting the correlation between poverty and malnourishment, Beckmann implored the House to pass a child nutrition reauthorization bill. The bill, which passed through the Senate last month, would extend national child nutrition programs that are on track to expire at the end of this month.

The Reverend, an economist and ordained Lutheran Minister who has earned a reputation as being one the world’s most well-known advocates for hungry and poor people, lamented the fact that both bills contain flaws, but said the government has an obligation to improve children’s nutrition.

“We do not now have enough political oomph to achieve the changes for hungry and poor people that we should,” Beckmann said. “So I am calling on people, especially people who believe in God, to help change the politics of hunger.”

Beckmann and other supporters of the two bills have a powerful ally in Washington: First Lady Michelle Obama. As part of her “Let’s Move” campaign, Mrs. Obama has put forth a comprehensive plan for child nutrition that includes reforming school lunch menus nationwide.

The House is not scheduled to vote on the bill this week.