By Adrianna Logalbo, Future Fortified campaign

Right now the U.S. Congress is reauthorizing the Farm Bill – this is a huge piece of legislation that covers everything from rural development to trade to conservation and food and nutrition programs. It’s authorized once every 5 years, and you can help determine its impact.

One important piece of the Farm Bill is the legislation around international food aid programs. The U.S. is the largest contributor of food assistance globally – billions of dollars have been invested since the 1950s to save lives during conflicts and natural disasters, as well as to enhance the diets of chronically undernourished people throughout the world.

Sadly, U.S. food aid is not particularly nutritious, leaving vulnerable communities with empty calories and lacking the essential nutrients necessary for long term health and well-being. This is problematic for women and children who need good nutrition the most during the 1,000 day window from a woman’s pregnancy to a child’s second year of life. A recent study conducted by Tufts University shows that the nutrition quality of U.S. food aid can be and should be improved.

Right now we have an opportunity to push for unprecedented policy change to improve the nutritional quality of U.S. food assistance, making our investments more effective and impactful. But we need your voice!

With help from GOOD and TOUT, we are asking everyone to take 15 seconds to send a video message to your Representative saying why you think the 2012 Farm Bill should strengthen the quality of U.S. food aid to ensure our investments are having the greatest impact possible, specifically for women and young children. It’s easy to get started – and critical that your voice is heard.

Check out the great editorial from GOOD and send your message today!