In 2008, steep increases in the price of several food staples sent shocks around the world, caused rioting in several countries and left millions more people at high risk for hunger and malnutrition.  In the midst of this food crisis, the International Health Section drafted a policy statement for APHA that addressed many of the causal factors as well as potential solutions for preventing another such crisis.  The policy was approved at the 2008 Annual Meeting and will be resubmitted for the 2009 Annual Meeting for final approval; the policy is accessible on the APHA Web site.

The policy recommendations are focused on improving U.S. foreign assistance related to food aid as well strengthening the role of small hold farmers in developing countries so that increased food supplies can be bought and sold locally.  Specifically, it recommends long-term investments rather than short-term aid and that partnerships be developed with government and non-governmental organizations in poor countries in order to jointly develop projects.  The policy also recommends that the U.S. government and foundations increase their spending on agricultural development and reverse the downward funding trend of the past few years.  Finally, the policy calls on international financial institutions to alter current fiscal and monetary policies so that countries can maintain grain reserves as well as shore up social safety nets to prevent food shortages if another crisis arises.