Emergency Programs

USAID is the world’s largest provider of international food assistance.  For more than 50 years, USAID has brought hope and nourishment to the hungry corners of the world.  During an emergency in which people face threat of imminent starvation, USAID provides food assistance in the form of food, cash transfers, and vouchers to save lives and reduce suffering.  USAID has two ways in which is delivers emergency food assistance. 

Title II

The Title II program, USAID’s primary mechanism for food assistance, provides in-kind commodities to those suffering from food insecurity.  Title II commodities are grown in the United States by U.S. farmers and sent overseas to feed vulnerable populations in the poorest corners of the world. 

Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP)

Complementing USAID’s in-kind food aid, USAID is now among the largest cash providers of food assistance in the world.  Each year up to $300 million in International Disaster Assistance funds  is available to support local and regional procurement of food as well as cash transfers and vouchers to address food security needs in emergency contexts.  These types of food assistance are used when USAID’s in-kind food aid cannot arrive in time or other forms of assistance are more appropriate due to local market conditions.  The program reinforces market linkages in recipient and neighboring countries and supports private sector capacity to meet the needs of beneficiaries.

To learn more about EFSP:

• Fiscal Year 2012 Emergency Food Security Program Fact Sheet

Food assistance often plays a key role in USAID's responses to crises around the globe, in many instances going hand in hand with non-food assistance such as shelter and water.  To learn more about the role of food assistance in USAID's emergency response, visit Working in Crises and Conflict.  

Emergency Program Proposal Guidance:

• Fiscal Year 2013 International Emergency Food Assistance Annual Program Statement (APS)
• Fiscal Year 2013 Emergency APS Amendment 1
• Fiscal Year 2013 Emergency APS Amendment 2
• Fiscal Year 2011 International Emergency Food Assistance Annual Program Statement (APS)
• Fiscal Year 2011 Emergency APS Amendment 8
• Partner POC Information Sheet for FFP