ing the needs of poor people, especially rural and urban households at risk of food insecurity. Beginning with the Bellagio Declaration of 1989, major public statements to overcome hunger have focused on (1) eradicating vitamin and mineral deficiencies, (2) reducing malnutrition among women and young children, (3) diminishing hunger in the poorest households, and (4) eliminating deaths from famine. Continued progress especially toward the first two goals can be achieved by improved communication, community organization and collaboration with local governments. In particular, this includes empowering poor communities, education for women and providing safety nets for vulnerable populations. Diminishing hunger in the poorest households requires first of all strong commitment by national governments to develop adequate infrastructure, increase agricultural productivity, minimize rural indebtedness, and implement land reform. Governments and the private sector should insure that poor people are active participants in the economic life of their communities. Balance must be sought between economic growth and government regulation on behalf of poor people. To secure timely and effective intervention in famines requires an unwavering commitment to civilian rights to food in armed conflicts and better coordination of international humanitarian responses. Wider Hunger Linkages Consumerism, unsustainable population increases, wastage, trade imbalances and other misguided private and public actions could worsen an already tragic situation. Since hunger is the worst manifestation of a complex set of political, economic and social problems, durable solutions require linkages with peoples' movements for peace, justice, equity and sustainable development. To overcome hunger, we must all join together to create a world in which children and adults can thrive as well as survive...
