The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with leaders from philanthropic organizations to discuss the evolving global food security crisis, the exacerbating impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on food security and nutrition, and the U.S. Government’s response plan.
Leaders included Catherine Bertini from the Rockefeller Foundation, Will Moore and Kim Cernak from the Eleanor Crook Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou from the Dangote Foundation, Rodger Voorhies from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and Anna Hakobyan and Chris Hohn from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation.
Administrator Power outlined the significant actions the U.S. Government is taking to respond to the immediate and long-term impacts on global food security and nutrition of higher food, fuel and fertilizer prices, which have resulted from compounded shocks, including Russia’s war against Ukraine. She reiterated USAID’s continued commitment to addressing immediate humanitarian needs and short-term threats to crop production and global food supply, as well as longer term food security, nutrition and resilience.
Participants discussed what their organizations are doing to strengthen food systems and safeguard nutrition outcomes, particularly for the most vulnerable. They discussed the impact of food security on children and strategies for addressing severe wasting among children, the impact of the worsening fertilizer shortage on crop yields, and ways to address longer term structural issues in getting food to the most vulnerable. The group committed to strengthen their collaboration and coordination to respond to the current crisis.