The fight against hunger in the United States
US companies and non-profit organisations have pledged more than $8 billion to meet US President Joe Biden's administration's goal of ending hunger and the spread of diet-related diseases by 2030. This was announced by the White House press office on Wednesday.
"Achieving our goals will require resources from more than just the federal government. That is why over the summer, the White House launched a nationwide call to action to realise the ambitious goals set by the president. Americans all responded to the call and pledged more than eight billion dollars both privately and at the government level," the US administration said in a statement.
The White House pointed out that the funds would go to community organizations, as well as be allocated in the form of investments in new businesses. In particular, $2.5 billion will go to companies that develop solutions to hunger and food insecurity. Another $4 billion will go to the philanthropic sector, which provides access to better products, "encourages healthy choices, and promotes physical activity".
Donors include pharmaceutical companies, medical associations, universities, philanthropic organizations, food industry lobby groups, and Warner Bros. Entertainment and Google Corporation.
It is also worth noting that the US administration released the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on Tuesday. Its release coincides with the first conference of the same name in 50 years, on September 28. The strategy sets out ideas for tackling hunger in the US and diseases linked to unhealthy diet, such as type II diabetes, obesity and some cancers.
