By Farms.com
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) together with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a major initiative, injecting $1 billion into global emergency food assistance. This funding, derived from the Commodity Credit Corporation, will be used to purchase and distribute U.S.-grown food commodities like wheat, rice, and beans to countries facing severe food shortages.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the efficiency and productivity of American farmers and the U.S.'s capacity to aid globally due to agricultural surpluses. USAID Administrator Samantha Power emphasized the critical role of American agriculture in addressing global hunger, especially during this period of increased need.
The initiative will initially allocate about $950 million to support traditional food assistance programs, which include a variety of staple foods. An additional $50 million is earmarked for a pilot project exploring the use of non-traditional, shelf-stable commodities that could expand the scope of food assistance.
Eighteen countries, identified as having significant food insecurity, will benefit from this round of aid. This effort aligns with the Administration's commitment to tackling global hunger and improving food system resilience. By supporting local and regional food production and equitable food distribution, the USDA underlines its mission to enhance food security and sustainability globally.