April 9, 2003

Valley Forge, Pa. - Bread for the World, the Christian anti-hunger organization supported by many American Baptist individuals and churches, is in the midst of a campaign, "Rise to the Challenge: End World Hunger," that encourages increased development assistance to poor countries through the newly-proposed Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).

MCA, which is being considered now by Congress as part of budget negotiations, would nearly double current funding designated by the U.S. for global development assistance to countries meeting certain eligibility criteria. The Bread for the World campaign calls for Congress to make sure MCA is fully funded and focused on reducing poverty and hunger.

As final budget discussions are underway, immediate action is urged. The current focus, like all of Bread for the World's campaigns over the past 29 years, asks individuals and their churches to participate in an "Offering of Letters" in which correspondence advocating action is sent to congressional representatives.

MCA is the result of a Bush Administration initiative launched last year to offer "a new compact for development" that would "link greater contributions by developed nations to greater responsibility by developing nations," according to Bread for the World. Under the Bush proposal the U.S. in 2003 will contribute at least $1.3 billion to MCA and will incrementally increase annual contributions to $5 billion by 2006. MCA-funded initiatives will help eligible developing countries improve their economies and standards of living.

"After years of declining foreign assistance budgets, President Bush's proposal is a breath of fresh air," said Bread for the World President David Beckmann. He noted that the current campaign "provides people of faith a timely opportunity to use the gift of their citizenship to make a profound difference in the lives of hungry and poor people around the world."

For resources or more information contact Bread for the World, 50 F St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001; phone: (202)639-9400/(800)82-BREAD; fax: (202)639-9401; Web: www.bread.org.

American Baptist News Service