JDC to Receive U.S. Government Food for Feeding Programs in Ethiopia, Enough to Sustain 279,000 Peop

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee announced today that it was advised yesterday in a letter received from the Office of Food for Peace of the Agency for International Development (AID) in Washington, that the U.S. government has approved an initial allocation of 7,500 metric tons of wheat flour, soy flour, non-fat dry milk and vegetable oil for JDC programs in the Gondar region of Ethiopia. According to the announcement, the JDC can expect to receive a total of 30,000 metric tons over the next 12 months.

JDC president Heinz Eppler lauded the responsiveness of the U.S. authorities, saying that “the generosity of the American people, in both public and private sectors, is a proud chapter in our history.”

Ralph Goldman, JDC executive vice president, said that the 30,000 tons “are enough to sustain 279,000 people and have an estimated value of $5.18 million.” He said the food will be distributed in the Gondar region where JDC has been asked to operate in cooperation with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission of Ethiopia. The first shipment of the U.S. food supplies is expected in May and early June.

Goldman noted that even in advance of the receipt of the U.S. government advisory, JDC had arranged for the distribution of Faffa, a high energy food supplement, which contains a formula of grains and cereals intended for malnourished children. He said the first delivery of the Faffa is to be made March 4, with subsequent deliveries of 30 tons a month taking place over the next six months — enough to feed 7,000 to 10,000 children a day. The Faffa can be served as porridge or baked into bread.

The purchase of the Faffa was made with an allocation of $250,000 from the $1.8 million in cash donations JDC has received since it opened its mailbox to donations earmarked for famine relief last November 1st.