Source: Government of the United States of America
Date: 8/8/01

Press Release Number: 0213-01
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2001 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it will donate about 5,500 metric tons of U.S. agricultural commodities to the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) for use in Tajikistan under the Food for Progress program. AKF, a private voluntary organization, will directly distribute the donated commodities to an estimated 206,000 people in the Autonomous Oblast of Gorno-Badakhshan. The donation will include approximately 450 metric tons of whole dry milk, 850 tons of vegetable oil, 700 tons of corn-soy blend, and 3,500 tons of wheat flour. AKF plans to provide rations to about 206,000 people. Flour rations will go to the most vulnerable. Children and pregnant and lactating mothers will receive supplemental foods. The whole milk powder will be distributed through the schools. The fiscal 2001 agreement with AKF was signed on July 27, 2001. The donation will be made under USDA's Food for Progress program, administered by the ! Fo! reign Agricultural Service. The supply period for this donation is fiscal year 2001.