The Public Law 480 (P.L. 480) food aid program is comprised of three titles. Each title has different objectives and provides agricultural assistance to countries at different levels of economic development. Title I of the P.L. 480 program is administered by USDA and Title II is administered by the Agency for International Development (AID). Title III is currently not funded.

Title I provides for the sales of U.S. agriculture commodities on concessional credit terms to governments and private entities in developing countries. When allocating assistance under the Title I program, priority is given to agreements that provide for the export of U.S. agricultural commodities to those developing countries which have demonstrated the potential to become commercial markets, are undertaking measures to improve their food security and agriculture development, and demonstrate the greatest need for food.