The Global Hunger Crisis And Elections 2008

A poll released in July 2008 by the Alliance to End Hunger ranks high food prices as among the top three issues (along with gas prices and Iraq) that voters want political candidates to address this election season. Seven out of ten respondents want the U.S. government to do more to address the problem of rising food prices, which have led to an increase in hunger in America and around the world.

While many important issues will be vying for attention during the elections, there is none so pressing as the global hunger crisis. It threatens to pull more than 100 million additional people into poverty. This is on top of nearly 1 billion people who live on less than $1 per day. In the United States, more than one in ten households struggle to put food on the table and the numbers will increase if we ignore the crisis.

Act Now!

• Read why elections are important and familiarize yourself with the issues. An informed electorate is vital in the fight against hunger and poverty.
• Join Bread for the World’s Election Action Team against Hunger 2008 (BEAT Hunger ‘08). Join hundreds of other activists in ensuring that hunger and poverty issues are not forgotten in the 2008 elections.
• We asked the two leading presidential candidates, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, to give us their views on hunger and poverty issues. Read their responses.
• With all 33 seats and two vacancies in the senate up for election this year, we asked all candidates for their views on hunger and poverty. Click on the map below to find your senators and their responses, if any.