Calling on the International Community, USAID Delivers Emergency Food Aid to Southern Africa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2005
05-119
Press Office: 202-712-5174
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today it will provide an additional 85,000 metric tons (MT) of U.S. Title II food assistance to southern Africa through the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). The U.S. contribution of bulgur wheat, cornmeal, sorghum, vegetable oil and beans will sustain more than 6 million people for one month and is valued at $49.4 million. This donation - stemming from USAID's Food for Peace program -- brings total U.S. food assistance to southern Africa since June 2005 to just more than 300,000 MT, valued at approximately $200 million.
Prolonged drought and poor harvests, coupled with a steady erosion of household assets and the increased impact of HIV/AIDS have exacerbated the region's insecurity, leaving more than 10.8 million people in need of food assistance over the coming months. Accordingly, the U.S. expects to ship more food in the coming months to address the urgent and growing humanitarian needs.
"The United States is leading the world's effort to prevent a widespread humanitarian crisis from developing in southern Africa," Administrator Natsios said. "The generosity of the American people will feed millions of Africans, helping to save children and families. This assistance is part of President Bush's commitment to lift the people of Africa out of poverty and finally break the cycle of hunger. We urge the international community to join us at this critical juncture."
USAID has been actively involved in responding to the food security situation in southern Africa since early 2002. To date, the U.S. has provided approximately 70 percent of the total resources pledged to the WFP Southern Africa Protracted Relief and Rehabilitation Operation, in addition to food provided through a consortium of international private voluntary organizations known as C-SAFE, which is strengthening food security and resilience throughout Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The U.S. government has delivered more than 1.1 million MT of food aid valued at more than $700 million since the beginning of 2002, including this contribution, and is the biggest donor to WFP's operations in southern Africa.
Celebrating 50 years in 2004, USAID's Food for Peace program has brought nourishment to more than 3 billion people in 150 countries.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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