KABUL, AFGHANISTAN- In anticipation of an appeal from the Government of Afghanistan to meet the needs of an estimated 2.5 million Afghans that could be affected by food shortage this year, the U.S. Government (USG), through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced today that it is contributing $20 million dollars in food aid commodities to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan.

 

In anticipation of an appeal from the Government of Afghanistan to meet the needs of an estimated 2.5 million Afghans that could be affected by food shortage this year, the U.S. Government (USG), through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced today that it is contributing $20 million dollars in food aid commodities to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan.  

 

Over 28,000 metric tons of USG food aid commodities including wheat, vegetable oil, lentils, and peas will be delivered to Afghans in drought affected and remote areas, with special emphasis on assistance to vulnerable women and children.

 

“In our ongoing effort to assist the people of Afghanistan, this latest contribution will help feed tens of thousands of the most at-risk.  Alongside partners like the UN WFP, the U.S. Government is working to save lives,” said USAID Mission Director Leon Waskin.

 

Afghans in many provinces suffer high levels of food insecurity, which worsens during Afghanistan’s frequent droughts.  USAID is closely monitoring drought conditions this year and is identifying options to ensure that families can meet their dietary needs, especially women and children.