Bush seeks $770M for global food crisis

WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Thursday asked Congress to provide $770 million for food aid and development programs to address the global food crisis.

Coupled with the roughly $200 million available in emergency aid through a U.S. Agriculture Department program, "this amounts to nearly $1 billion in new funds to bolster global food security," Bush said in a statement.

"We have been the leader for providing food to those who are going without in the past, and we will continue to be the leader around the world," Bush said.

The funds will help fund agricultural development programs assisting farmers in developing countries to increase productivity. In this vein, Bush asked Congress to support a proposal to purchase up to nearly 25 percent of food assistance directly from farmers in the developing world.

Bush said his administration also was working to ensure "our poorest citizens get the food they need."

He said his administration has increased funding for nutrition assistance programs and adjusted food stamp benefits.

"The American people are generous people and they're compassionate people," he said. "America will lead the fight against hunger for years to come."

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