28 July 2008
U.S. International Food Aid Programs: Basic Descriptions
P.L. 480, Title I
Concessional commodity sales through long-term loans. In fiscal year (FY) 2006 approximately 178,000 metric tons (MT) of commodities, valued at $50 million, were provided to three countries under P.L. 480, Title I.
P.L. 480, Title II
Development and emergency-relief programs in partnership with private voluntary organizations (PVOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), and government-to-government programs (emergency only). In FY 2006, approximately 1.7 million MT of emergency food aid, valued at $1.2 billion, were provided to 42 countries through 68 programs. An estimated 38 million people benefited from U.S. assistance. Approximately 664,000 MT of non-emergency food aid, totaling $342 million, were provided to 30 countries through 77 programs. An estimated 10 million people benefited from Title II non-emergency activities.
P.L. 480, Title III
Government-to-government commodity donations to the least developed countries; linked to policy reforms. No money was appropriated for this program in FY 2006.
Food for Progress Act of 1985
Commodity donations offered for emerging democracies and developing countries making commitments to introduce or expand free-enterprise elements in their agricultural economies. Agreements may be with governments, PVOs, NGOs, private entities, cooperatives, and intergovernmental organizations. In FY 2006, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) financed the purchase and shipment of 275,000 MT of commodities to 20 countries at a value of $147 million. In addition, Title I resources were used to deliver 212,000 MT, with a value of $73 million, under the Food for Progress program.
Agriculture Act of 1949, Section 416(b)
Surplus commodities to PVOs, NGOs, WFP, and government-to-government, donated to accomplish foreign food aid objectives. Some 9,600 MT of non-fat dry milk were delivered to four countries during FY 2006, with a value of $20 million.
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition
Commodity donations and financial assistance are used to provide incentives for children to attend and remain in school, as well as helping to improve child development through nutritional programs for women, infants, and children under age 5. In FY 2006 USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service provided more than 82,000 MT of commodities to support child nutrition and school feeding programs in 15 countries, the total value of which was more than $86 million.
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
From the September 2007 edition of eJournal USA.
