Yakima Times

The United States has played a leading role in combating global hunger for nearly 70 years through the Food for Peace program. This initiative, under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided American agricultural products to over four billion people across more than 150 countries. However, recent developments have prompted legislative action to transfer this program from USAID to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Trump administration's decision to freeze all funds for USAID to identify potential waste, fraud, and abuse led lawmakers to propose relocating the Food for Peace program. The aim is to ensure continued support for those facing hunger worldwide while promoting American agricultural interests.

Originally established post-World War II during a period of rising U.S. agricultural surpluses, the program was formalized in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. It was later renamed Food for Peace under President Kennedy's administration, shifting focus towards expanding markets for American farmers.

Proponents of moving the program argue that USDA's management could enhance its effectiveness due to its direct ties with American farmers and expertise in global agriculture markets. "Management by a commodity-focused agency with direct links to our nation’s farmers will modernize Food for Peace’s mission execution while aligning it with USDA’s market access programs," supporters stated.

While USAID has been instrumental in delivering crucial aid globally, there are concerns about unnecessary spending within the agency. Efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) aim to address these issues without compromising essential programs like Food for Peace.

"I believe it is incumbent upon us to sustain the programs that work," said a legislator advocating for this change. They emphasized their commitment as "the only House Republican on both the Agriculture Committee and the Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations" to continue fighting global hunger through American farming efforts.