Press Release

USAID Launches $25 Million Food Insecurity Response Program

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Monday, April 27, 2009

On April 27, 2009, the United States of America and the City of Kabul joined in launching a $25 million cash-for-work program to reduce food insecurity in Afghanistan’s urban areas.  The Food Insecurity Response for Urban Populations Program was developed in response to the growing inability of Kabul residents to feed their families due to unemployment, rising food prices, and drought. 

This project will offer temporary employment for 50,000 men and women living in Kabul and its surrounding suburbs.  Short-term public and community works projects will enable participating workers to earn sufficient wages to purchase food for themselves and their families.  Ultimately, 250,000 Afghan citizens – workers and their families – will benefit from the program.

According to U.S. Deputy Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, “Through these short-term public works projects, the most vulnerable Kabul residents will be able to earn sufficient wages to purchase food for themselves and their families.”

In addition to providing employment and food security to vulnerable populations, the project will improve infrastructure throughout greater Kabul.  Program participants will engage in activities including the repair of Kabul’s drainage system, road surfacing and gravelling, rehabilitation of city parks, and irrigation canal cleaning.

Designed by the United States Agency for International Development, in cooperation with Kabul Municipality and implemented by the American private international relief organization CARE International in Afghanistan, the project will take place over a 12-month period.