Washington, DC- In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, USAID is providing 14,550 tons of food aid which will help feed 1.2 million people for two weeks and is valued at approximately $18 million, to assist those affected by the disaster.

In order to expedite delivery, the food aid will come from the Title II prepositioned stocks in Jascinto, Texas. It will include 7,000 tons of rice, 4,550 tons of corn soy blend (CSB), and 3,000 tons of vegetable oil. The food will be distributed by the United Nations World Food Program and Private Voluntary Organizations.

"Food aid will be critical in the coming weeks," said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. "By acting quickly now, we can help those most affected by this disaster in their time of need."

The food assistance will be transported in multiple shipments, with the first shipment leaving in the next few days.

In Fiscal year 2009, USAID's Food for Peace program provided 83,020 tons of food aid to Haiti, valued at approximately $63.7 million, for both long-term development programs and emergency needs.

For more information about USAID's Food for Peace activities please go to http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/ffp/ifrp.html.