US to extend $8.5-M food aid to typhoon victims
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/26/2009 5:46 PM
Printer-friendly version | 
Send to friend | 
Share your views
MANILA - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has pledged $8.5 million in food assistance to victims of recent typhoons in the Philippines.
Under the agency's Food for Progress program, some 7,000 metric tons (MT) of US rice and 680 MT of non-fat dry milk will be processed into ultra-high temperature milk and biscuits, which will then be distributed to flood victims.
The donations are expected to provide food to 438,000 people for 60 days.
"The food aid I am announcing today will help the people in the most need of assistance, and as a long-standing friend and partner of the Philippines, the United States stands ready to continue our cooperation and assistance in the future," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.
He made the announcement after a meeting with President Arroyo and Arthur Yap on Monday.
The Philippines is the largest recipient of USDA food aid programs in Asia, with programs dating back to 1995.
In fiscal year 2009, USDA signed 3 Food For Progress agreements in the Philippines worth $25 million.
Comments