April 15, 2008

Meeks And Others Call For President Bush To Take Immediate Action Against The Food Shortage Crisis in Haiti

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, along with fellow Congressional Black Caucus members and the Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke at a press conference urging the United States to provide emergency food aid to Haiti.

“This is a matter of life or death for the people of Haiti, and as a nation that cares deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and allies, we must act fast so that no more lives will be lost to something as trivial as hunger,” said Rep. Meeks.

Haiti, a small country west of the Dominican Republic, is inhabited by 9 million people—80% of whom live in abject poverty. The rising cost of food worldwide has had a devastating impact on the country, which imports nearly all of its food from other countries.

The price for staple foods, particularly rice, corn, and wheat has increased exponentially since December. With more than half of the country’ s growing population living on less than $2 a day, paying for basic necessities such as food has placed a tremendous burden on the citizens of Haiti.

Last month, many of the poorest began complaining of severe stomach pains due to hunger. In early April, mounting tension over the lack of food led citizens to clash with U.N. peacekeepers, tearing down a U.N. military base in Okay, the third largest city in Haiti.

“The ramifications of this crisis are much too great to ignore. This is a humanitarian concern and it must be addressed immediately,” Congressman Meeks stated.

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