All aboard the Friendship Train 2009 to fight global hunger

November 9, 12:21 PMGlobal Hunger ExaminerWilliam Lambers

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In the fall of 1947 the Friendship Train rolled across America collecting donations for starving people in Europe. Although World War II had come to an end, the struggle to win the peace had not. Hunger, the most resilient of foes, was still on the attack in Europe. The Friendship Train was one way Americans helped Europe recover from the war.

While the post-war hunger in Europe was defeated, today there are over 1 billion people worldwide who cannot get access to enough food. Agencies like the UN World Food Programme cannot keep up as they are short over 3 billion dollars in donations to feed those in need. In countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, Nepal, Iraq and Pakistan, hunger and poverty threaten hopes of peace.

Let's use the Friendship Train once again, only this time a virtual one courtesy of the new Internet age. There are number of internet "stops" you can make to help fight global hunger. Here are some along the route.

The Internet Friendship Train 2009

Stop 1: The United Nations World Food Programme's A Billion for a Billion youtube video. This will give you some startling statistics on global hunger but also some ideas on what you can do about it. The link to the video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jSBW0BOPqM.

Stop 2: The White House. In order for hunger to be defeated, world leaders must make this issue a priority. Write a letter to the President telling him how important the struggle against global hunger is and that you expect the U.S. to show leadership in tackling this problem. You could mention how important initiatives like the McGovern-Dole Global School lunch program are to feeding the hungry. After all, school lunches played such a pivotal role in the reconstruction of post-war Europe. Visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.

Stop 3: Tell Congress to pass the Roadmap to End Global Hunger legislation (H.R. 2817) which is currently in the House of Representatives. Read an interview with Heather Hanson of Mercy Corps where she discusses this hunger fighting bill. You can use the Save the Children's take action page or you can visit www.house.gov to locate your representative to send them an e-mail or call.

Stop 4: Check with your local foodbank to make sure that everyone in your community has enough food. Local food aid agencies depend on canned good donations throughout the year. Feeding America has a food bank locator here.

Stop 5: Tell your friends to join the Friendship Train 2009 to help end global hunger. They can also stop by the Friends of the World Food Program page to volunteer with a local committee to take action against hunger.

Train images courtesy of Shortlines of Chicago Historical Society. Crossing lights image courtesy of Amazing Animations.

photo of 1947 Friendship Train photo courtesy of the Ames Historical Society