World Food Day Recognition

Floor Speech

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to on behalf of millions of children and families worldwide in danger of starvation.

Each year, malnourishment accounts for almost half of the 6.9 million deaths among children under the age of five. The first 1,000 days between the start of a woman's pregnancy and her child's second birthday are critical to the long term survival of these children. As we recognize World Food Day today, we must do more to support ending maternal and child malnutrition.

That's why I introduced H. Res. 254 with my colleague, Representative MARIO DIAZ-BALART. This resolution raises awareness of the critical 1,000-day window and encourages relevant federal agencies to better coordinate and track nutrition outcomes.

As a mother, it pains me to think of a child dying because he or she doesn't have enough food to eat, especially when our planet produces enough food to feed every man, woman, and child.

I urge my colleagues to join us in cosponsoring H. Res. 254 and give a voice to the millions of vulnerable and hungry children around the world.

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