BREAD FOR THE WORLD

The focus of the 2007 Offering of Letters was the US farm bill.  The bill became law in June, and will be re-authorized in 5 years (2012).  It is known as The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.   

On the positive side, Bread for the World worked to see a farm bill that was fairer to struggling US rural families, people in the US who are hungry or at risk of hunger, and poor families around the world.  The final law includes a significant increase – approximately $10.3 billion over 10 years – in US nutrition assistance.  The Hunger-Free Communities Act, which was the focus of Bread’s 2005 Offering of Letters, was also included in the final version of the bill. 

On the down side, Bread feels that the bill maintains the status quo on commodity payments for generally wealthy farmers.  It does not set the new direction for agriculture that is needed, especially in light of the global hunger crisis.  However, Bread feels there was impact on the public and congressional debate about the bill and highlighted the unfairness of US commodity policies. 

Bread for the World thanks everyone who participated in that Offering to bring about a more equitable farm bill.

For further information about this Offering, call 1 (800) 82-BREAD or visit the web site at www.bread.org.

Blessings,
Fr. Jack Moore