Doug Bereuter: “this year is the 40th anniversary of the Food for Peace Program, also known as the Public Law 480 Program. The history…”

“this year is the 40th anniversary of the Food for Peace Program, also known as the Public Law 480 Program. The history of the Food for Peace Program, which was outlined in detail in that speech, shows a program that has adapted over the years to the needs of the times, while saving literally millions and millions of lives at risk from famine and malnutrition. Since it began in 1954, Public Law 480 has provided about $48 billion worth of U.S. food to countries with food shortages. The program was last redesigned in 1990 to focus particularly on improving food security in countries with significant levels of malnutrition, chronic food shortages, and high infant mortality rates. Food aid donations in very poor, food-deficit countries are used to respond to chronic hunger needs and also to improve long-term food security through development programs funded by the local proceeds of food sales. Some Public Law 480 food is also donated for use in emergencies. Both of these programs are administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development [AID].”