By Scout Nelson
U.S. wheat continues to support global food aid through programs like Food for Peace and Food for Progress. Each year, these efforts move around one million metric tons of wheat to countries in need, particularly in East Africa.
A recent learning journey organized by U.S. Wheat Associates allowed industry leaders to visit Kenya and Lesotho to see the impact of these programs firsthand. In Kenya, the Food for Peace program supplies in-kind wheat donations to the World Food Programmed at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, which hosts about 300,000 refugees. The goal is to meet each person’s daily need of 2,100 calories, though current support has dropped to only 40 percent of that target due to supply issues.
“This is not a well-rounded meal of fresh fruits and vegetables; it’s truly just the basic calories of what you need for the month to live,” said a U.S. Wheat representative.
Food for Peace, managed by USAID, may soon shift to the USDA for improved efficiency. This change would provide more predictability for suppliers and ensure smoother distribution for food aid organizations.
The Food for Progress program was also highlighted during the trip. In Lesotho, monetized wheat donations funded the STEPS project, which strengthens the poultry sector and boosts local economies. The program allows U.S. wheat to be sold locally, with proceeds reinvested into development efforts that create long-term economic growth.
A recent wheat shipment through the Kenyan port of Mombasa supported food needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing how these programs provide both aid and future trade links.
These programs, started and supported by U.S. farmers, continue to show how food aid not only feeds communities but fosters global partnerships.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: National