American President George W Bush has asked the US Congress to approve $770m in new international food aid.

Mr Bush said the aid was needed to help ease the effects of escalating global food prices.

"The American people are generous people and they're compassionate people," Mr Bush said on Thursday.

"We believe in a timeless truth: To whom much is given, much is expected. And so therefore at home we are working 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."

The aid package comprises $620m in direct food aid shipments and a further $150m in long-term projects to support farmers in third-world countries.

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed Mr Bush's announcement.

"We thank the President of the United States for his urgent call to action to combat the advance of hunger among the world's most vulnerable," said WFP executive director Josette Sheeran.

"His call for $770m in food aid and developmental support will continue America's leadership in the fight against hunger.

"Urgent consideration by the US Congress will help prevent wide-scale human suffering due to soaring food prices.

"Ever since reaching out to a hungry world devastated by World War II, the American people have generously come to the urgent aid of those trapped in hunger.

"Today, for those living on less than US$1 a day, the impact of soaring food prices is catastrophic."

Surging food prices have sparked riots in Haiti, Egypt, Cameroon and Indonesia.

The article Bush pledges $770m to ease world hunger originally appeared on 999 Today