USAID Announces Additional Emergency Food Assistance for Haiti
REVISED
May 23, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
MIAMI, FL - Today, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Henrietta Fore announced the agency is adding $25 million in emergency food aid to Haiti, bringing its total contribution to $45 million. The funds will go to the World Food Program, Catholic Relief Services and World Vision, working in Haiti to provide more than 36,000 tons of staples that include beans, rice, vegetable oil, lentils, bulgur, peas and corn meal.
In addition to providing immediate relief to nearly 2.5 million Haitians, the emergency assistance will offer longer-term support during the next 12 months by targeting the nation's most vulnerable populations-the sick and disabled, orphans, mothers, children and the elderly. The plan also offers a "food for work" arrangement that pays Haitians with food to rebuild irrigation systems, roads and reclaim land. These improvements are aimed at boosting crop production and agricultural commerce.
"The United States remains ready to help the people of Haiti overcome emergency food shortages and to make progress in the long term," said Fore. "We stand with the Haitians who are working to sustain democracy, a vibrant civil society and a just and accountable government."
Since 2004, the U.S. has provided more than $600 million in aid to Haiti and President Bush has called for $245 million in assistance for 2009, she said.
For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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