President George W. Bush asked the Congress on Thursday to approve $770 million to alleviate the food crisis due to increasing food prices around the world.

The president’s suggestion comes a few days after Democrats in Congress have requested increases, and it was welcomed, although Democrats complained about the fact that the aid would not be available until the next fiscal year begins in October.

During a surprise mid-afternoon appearance at the White House, Bush asked lawmakers to approve the additional funds due to help solving the world food crisis.

“In some of the world's poorest nations, rising prices can mean the difference between getting a daily meal and going without food," Bush said, as quoted by the Associated Press. “The American people are generous people and they're a compassionate people. We believe in the timeless truth `to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The efforts of the Bush administration are aimed at reducing the 45% increase in world food prices in the past nine months, which made it difficult for millions of people to achieve rice and wheat. The price of eggs also rose with nearly 30 percent in the past year, while prices for milk and flour jumped more than 13 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The factors that contributed to the food crisis vary from bad weather to smaller increases in crop yields in the last years.

The new funds come in addition to the $200 million that Bush ordered for release two weeks ago for emergency food aid. He said this was “just the beginning” of U.S.’ help strategy.

"We're sending a clear message to the world: that America will lead the fight against hunger for years to come," he said, according to USA Today.