United States leadership needed on nutrition

Globally, poor nutrition contributes to nearly half of all child deaths under age 5 and impairs the physical and mental health of millions of children. A person's physical and cognitive foundation are set in the 1,000 days from conception to their second birthday. Good nutrition is especially import during this time period.

The United States has been a leader in global nutrition, but more needs to be done. Senate Resolution 260 (S. Res. 260) was introduced in June. It recognizes the importance of sustained United States leadership in accelerating global progress against maternal and child malnutrition. Thirty-four senators are co-sponsors of this resolution.

Bread for the World is a Christian organization that advocates for domestic and foreign assistance for hunger and nutrition programs. It has asked Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to become co-sponsors of S. Res. 260. In addition, it has asked them to support an increase in funding for global nutrition from $145 million to $250 million in the 2020 federal budget, a minuscule part of the budget.

Nutrition is the most cost-effective investment to drive global health and prosperity. Please ask our senators to co-sponsor S. Res. 260 and increased funding for global nutrition to $250 million in the 2020 federal budget.

Steve Panther

Iowa City