UNITED NATIONS – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah today announced additional funds to the United Nations World Food Program to help feed over 6 million people.

“Today, I have the privilege in announcing an additional $75 million to the United Nations World Food Program to help feed over 6 million Pakistanis affected by the devastating floods,” said Shah. “It is important to note that $70 million of this money will be used to locally procure approximately 120,000 tons of goods and that $5 million will be used for U.S. food that is part of USAID’s prepositioning program. The ability to locally procure items is important in the initial recovery and rebuilding efforts in Pakistan.”

The United States is now providing approximately $345 million in governmental assistance, which more than doubles the U.S. contribution from what it was one month ago. U.S. assistance is going to relief and early recovery efforts, directly benefiting flood victims through international and domestic NGOs, UN agencies, and the Pakistani government. The United States has also made in-kind contributions of more than $50 million. American aircraft have rescued more than 15,000 people, delivered 7 million pounds of relief supplies and contributed halal meals and pre-fabricated bridges.

Additionally, the American private sector has contributed more than $10 million to the flood relief effort. Americans and other concerned individuals have also contributed to the Pakistan Relief Fund. A significant amount of this support is coming from the Pakistani American diaspora community. So far, the Fund has raised half a million dollars, which has been generously matched by Proctor and Gamble. The U.S. Government matched that total, resulting in a $2 million effort and showcasing the impact of the private and public sectors working in concert for maximum impact. This week, we made the first disbursement of the Fund, which along with the matching contributions, will provide clean drinking water to 1.5 million people.

For more information about USAID's programs, please visit: usaid.gov. To read our blog, see blog.usaid.gov.