USDA Identifies 2023 McGovern-Dole Priority Countries

USDA, through its administration of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, is the largest global donor to school feeding efforts, providing U.S. agricultural commodities, funding, and technical assistance to reduce hunger, support nutrition, and improve literacy and primary education, especially for girls, around the world. The McGovern-Dole program is also an integral part in advancing U.S. diplomatic interests and strengthening alliances.

For FY 2023, USDA anticipates awarding up to $224 million in new McGovern-Dole cooperative agreements. Each of the cooperative agreement projects will be five years in duration. USDA has identified the following as priority countries for FY 2023: Cameroon, Haiti, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, and Togo.

These countries have demonstrated significant need, a national government commitment to school feeding programs, and shared views on global food security, agricultural sustainability, and key international initiatives (such as the School Meals Coalition). Proposals for McGovern-Dole projects in non-priority countries also remain eligible for consideration.

When available, the FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity and information on how to apply will be published on Grants.gov. Visit the McGovern-Dole Program page to learn more about the program.