posted by Jolene McCall
The detrimental effects of food aid programs are not a recent realization. In fact, a variety of reports highlight the necessity to rethink the food aid industry, drawing attention to how these programs ultimately hurt local industry while those providing the aid profit. In an article published by IRIN News titled, “US Food Aid: Charity Begins at Home,” Tamara Leigh discusses debates surrounding the US Food for Peace program, launched more than 60 years ago, and the difficulty in reforming the food aid system. The article quotes USAID spokesperson stating, “‘In USAID’s experience, implementing food assistance programmes using locally and regionally purchased food (LRP) has shown both cost and time savings, compared to programmes using US-purchased food aid, and research from a variety of institutions, both public and private, supports this experience.’” Despite this testimony and other evidence supporting this statement, many (those in agroindustry, shipping firms, and even NGOs) are resisting efforts made to reform the US Food for Peace program, some suggesting that American farmers and shippers deserve to benefit from food aid programs. However, as reports of food crises continue to arise, it is important to remember that food aid programs are not benign and often hinder local development, underscoring the necessity for major changes in the current food aid system.