By Jamie Martin
U.S. Wheat Associates welcomed USDA’s approval of a wheat award under the Food for Peace program designed to support emergency feeding programs in East Africa. The shipment includes 20,000 metric tons of wheat grown by U.S. farmers.
“We appreciate the efforts of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg and their teams for their hard work to bring this first award of wheat under the USDA’s administration of the Food for Peace program,” said Dalton Henry, USW vice president of communications and policy.
The wheat will be delivered by the World Food Program and is expected to be shipped later this summer along with other commodities such as rice and sorghum. Program leaders said the shipment highlights the importance of reliable agricultural partnerships.
“This is the first of hopefully many shipments under the USDA’s administration of the Food for Peace program,” said Amanda Hoey, chief executive officer of the Oregon Wheat Commission and chair of the USW Food Aid Working Group. “Through this program, we reaffirm to the world that the United States is more than a seller of grain, but a dedicated partner in feeding millions of hungry people around the world.”
Food for Peace has been a cornerstone of U.S. humanitarian assistance since it was introduced in 1954. Wheat has played a central role in the program, often accounting for a major share of food aid sent to countries facing hunger and crisis.
In December 2025, administration of Food for Peace shifted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA already manages other international feeding programs focused on education, development, and long-term food security.
U.S. Wheat representatives said placing Food for Peace under USDA strengthens the program through agricultural expertise and improved coordination. They noted that helping people in need today may also build future markets for U.S. wheat.
The organization also welcomed additional funding announced by USDA. Feeding programs operating in several African and Central American countries are eligible to apply for the next round of assistance.
“USDA is working to return Food for Peace to its core functions,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering in the release. “This funding will more responsibly deliver lifesaving food assistance with high-quality American commodities, helping American farmers and producers at home and people in need across the world.”
Officials emphasized that Food for Peace supports both humanitarian goals and U.S. farmers by delivering high-quality American products to people worldwide. The program continues to reflect the United States’ commitment to global food security.
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