The farm bill is critical legislation towards the fight in tackling both acute and chronic hunger as well as malnutrition worldwide. Title III authorizes several important international food aid programs, including the following:- Food for Peace Title II (“Food for Peace”) - Includes emergency and non-emergency programs that reach the most vulnerable globally. These programs address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in communities through agricultural loans, water management education, and savings groups that ultimately help in preventing the next hunger crisis. In FY22, USAID, through Food for Peace, reached 53 million people in 21 countries with emergency humanitarian food assistance.
- McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program - A school feeding program that increases school enrollment and academic achievement, especially for girls, while boosting children’s health and nutrition. The program has reached and benefited more than 4.7 million children, women and families in FY22.
- Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust - Conducted through the Secretary of Agriculture and USAID, the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust helps fund the purchase of U.S. commodities that reduce hunger and malnutrition. For the first time since 2014, the Trust was drawn down in 2022 in order to respond to extreme need. Replenishment for the Trust is necessary in order to respond to future crises.
- Food for Progress - Currently centers around improving agricultural productivity and trade through the donations of U.S. commodities that can be distributed as food or monetized by selling locally to fund projects. To best utilize Food for Progress and its pilot program, its reauthorization should allow for projects to be financed directly rather than through monetization.
In order to create lasting global change, it is essential to invest in programs that curb hunger and malnutrition. International programs under the farm bill progress agricultural development globally and supports families working to lift themselves out of poverty.
Please email your Members of Congress today to support the international provisions in this year's farm bill.