How do advocacy and policy help combat child hunger and malnutrition, both in the U.S. and around the world? In this episode, Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, joins us to talk about what’s needed to tackle food insecurity around the world, what’s working, what’s not, and why surface-level solutions won’t cut it.
We talk about how recent federal and foreign aid cuts are contributing to hunger and food insecurity for millions of children in food-insecure regions like South Sudan, and why proposals to cut SNAP could be similarly harmful for low-income American families. Reverend Cho offers the challenge to think bigger than politics and to engage with policy through the lens of faith and justice.
This isn’t about charity—it’s about using our voices and influence to make lasting change. Whether you're new to advocacy or deeply involved, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
Listen in to learn more :
(2:44) - check out bread.org
(12:04) - Sources say 86% cut to international programs and budget
(15:13) - proposed $290 billion cut to the SNAP program
(36:13) - Book: Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk
(36:51) - Partner with Bread for the World
Read more from Eugene Cho/Bread for the World:
Statement: “Skinny” Budget Would Increase Hunger and Famine and put U.S. National Security at Risk
Article: My Easter Reflection on Hope and Hunger
Article: Christian Leaders Hold “A Prayer Vigil for Foreign Aid”
Article: I Experienced a Culture Shock Coming to the US—But It Led to an Unexpected Calling
Book: Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics
Book: Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World?
Rev. Eugene Cho is President/CEO of Bread for the World, a nationwide Christian advocacy organization that educates on hunger and equips people to advocate for policies to end it in the U.S. and around the world. He preaches and speaks about Bread’s mission to end hunger, justice, and leadership at the intersection of faith and public life. Eugene is Co-Chair of the U.S. Nutrition CEO Council and has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as an Outstanding American by Choice. Before joining Bread, Eugene pastored local churches for nearly thirty years.
This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
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(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
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