USDA Requests Additional Proposals for Micronutrient-Fortified Food Aid Products Pilot under McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 – John Brewer, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) today announced that FAS is seeking additional proposals for the Micronutrient-Fortified Food Aid Products Pilot (MFFAPP) Program administered under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition (McGovern-Dole) Program. Up to $9 million is available this fiscal year.

"During a child’s life, intake of foods with appropriate vitamin and mineral content is imperative to ensuring a healthy future," said Brewer. "I encourage private voluntary, non-governmental, and international organizations to submit proposals to participate in this Program so they can make a significant impact on a child’s life."

Under the Program, participants who sign an agreement with FAS will have access to resources provided by the agency to develop and field test new and improved micronutrient-fortified products. These products should be designed to meet the energy and nutrient needs of populations served by the McGovern-Dole Program. Micronutrient-fortified food products are nutritionally enhanced through added vitamins or minerals to address the micronutrient deficiencies of a population or group. Through this effort, USDA hopes to identify new products that would be readily available for distribution through the McGovern-Dole Program. More information about the MFFAPP and how to apply through the Federal Register can be found at the following address: http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/03/14/2011-5712/notice-of-funding-availability-inviting-applications-for-mcgovern-dole-international-food-for.

Proposals related to this announcement are due at 5 p.m. EDT on June 15, 2011. Interested organizations are required to submit a completed form SF-424, an introductory statement, and a plan of operation. Application instructions, including guidance on preparing the introductory statement and plan of operation, are at the following address: www.fas.usda.gov/excredits/FoodAid/FFE/FFE.asp. The entire application package must be submitted electronically to either FAS’ online proposal entry system located at www.fas.usda.gov/excredits/FoodAid/FFE/ApplyForProgram.asp, which is the preferred method, or by e-mail to ppded@fas.usda.gov. 

The McGovern-Dole Program helps support education, child development, and food security in low-income, food-deficit countries that are committed to universal education. It provides for donations of U.S. agricultural products, as well as financial and technical assistance for school feeding and maternal and child nutrition projects. Currently, more than 30 active agreements are being funded with 16 cooperating sponsors in 28 countries, assisting more than five million beneficiaries.

The McGovern-Dole Program is administered by FAS. The program is named in honor of Ambassador and former Senator George McGovern and former Senator Robert Dole for their efforts to encourage a global commitment to school feeding and child nutrition. In October 2008, both men were recognized by the World Food Prize for their leadership in forging the link between the productivity of American farmers and the needs of hungry children around the world.  

For further information, contact Paul Alberghine at 202-720-2235 or email Paul.Alberghine@fas.usda.gov.

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