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National Peace Corps Association > News > Advocacy > As Congress Cuts, an RPCV Leader Fasts
As Congress Cuts, an RPCV Leader Fasts
By Guest Contributor on Thursday, April 7th, 2011
As congressional budget cuts for the current and upcoming fiscal years take aim at many domestic and international assistance programs, returned Peace Corps volunteer and former Congressman Tony Hall (Thailand 66-67) is demonstrating the courage of his conviction by fasting in opposition to budget cuts against worldwide hunger.
Hall served the Dayton, Ohio region for 24 years in the House of Representatives, giving much focus to addressing world hunger. He often traveled to countries where hunger was a prevalent problem. From 2002 to 2006, Hall served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture and was also the Chief of the United States Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Hunger.
No stranger to standing up for what he believes in, Hall went on a water-only fast in 1993 due to the abolition of the Select Committee on Hunger. Because of his fast, which was widely publicized, the Congressional Hunger Center was founded and The World Bank committed $100 million in micro-credit to the poor.
However, Hall says the suffering has not ended. In an open letter to supporters, Hall states there are 50 million hungry people in America, and more people living in poverty then ever before. Follow this link to read Tony Hall’s open letter. If you want more information or wish to join in the fast, follow this link.
(This post was prepared by NPCA intern Brooke Byington)
