USAID and Foods Resource Bank Expand Alliance to Reduce Hunger
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2003
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced an $800,000 grant to expand a public-private alliance with Foods Resource Bank (FRB) to address hunger through unique agricultural development programs in the developing world. The USAID-FRB alliance was formed in 2002 with an initial $500,000 grant.
The FRB is a Michigan-based national organization that encourages philanthropy and unites resources in a new and visible way. Under the FRB program, U.S. farmers, paired with urban churches and local agri-businesses, donate land, equipment, seeds and fertilizer to grow crops. The crop harvests are then sold, with USAID matching the proceeds dollar for dollar, and the resulting amounts are used to fund food security programs in Africa and around the world.
"We are proud to be partners with Foods Resource Bank in such an innovative activity to address the critical problem of world hunger," said Frederick W. Schieck, Deputy Administrator of USAID. "This alliance is an excellent example of how the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to create positive change."
RB's food security programs are implemented by 15 faith-based organizations representing most of the main U.S. church denominations. Additional funding partners include the Kellogg Foundation and some private agri-business companies. Currently, the FRB is implementing programs in Central African Republic, Congo, Gambia, Honduras, Kenya, Malawi, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Serbia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
"Helping people in the developing world to know the dignity and pride of feeding themselves through sustainable agricultural production is what we're about," said Norm Braksick, volunteer executive director of FRB. "We're delighted that USAID has made this vital commitment to help us build sustainable food security starting in Africa's poorest communities. Our approach allows each person in our country to give a gift, whether land, equipment, labor, supplies or cash - all of which we use to finance self-help projects. Together we can make a difference one village at a time."
USAID is funding this program through the Global Development Alliance (GDA), a recent initiative and business model to expand public-private alliances and work more closely with the private and non-profit sectors. Under the GDA, USAID is now engaged in more than 200 public-private alliances around the world. For every dollar committed to a public-private alliance, USAID seeks to attract an equal or greater amount in cash or in-kind resources from other partners.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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