Bush Delivers Remarks on Food AID

We're also urging countries that have instituted restrictions on agricultural exports to lift those restrictions. Some countries are preventing needed food from getting to market in the first place, and we call upon them to end those restrictions to help ease suffering from those who aren't getting food.

We're also urging countries to remove barriers to advanced crops developed through biotechnology. These crops are safe, they're resistant to drought and disease and they hold the promise of producing more food for more people.

Here at home, we're working to ensure that our poorest citizens get the food they need. Since 2001, the administration, in working with Congress, has increased funding for nutrition assistance programs by 76 percent. We've adjusted food stamp benefits annually to cover price increases at the checkout counter.

And last month, the Agriculture Department made available an additional $150 million to respond to the food needs of those who depend on WIC, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. With this new funding, we will have increased our support for WIC by 18.6 percent this year.

The American people are generous people and they're compassionate people. We believe in the timeless truth, to whom much is given, much is expected. And so, therefore, at home, we will work to ensure that the neediest among us can cope with the rising food prices.

And with the new international funding I'm announcing today, we're sending a clear message to the world that America will lead the fight against hunger for years to come.

Thank you very much for your interest. God bless.

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