Press Review: Local food aid sourcing & New program for preventing malnutrition in the Sahel

Donors such as the EU and Japan allow their funding to be used to buy local food. The United States, which makes up 36 percent of contributions to the United Nations World Food Program, requires its aid to be sourced from its shores. Critics say that that approach costs more and could adversely affect local farmers trying to survive amidst conflict. [Christian Science Monitor]

A new program aimed at preventing malnutrition in the Sahel would rely on giving milk and other high energy foods to children year-round. In addition to their normal diet, the supplementary food could help children build their immune systems in preparation for lean periods, when they would be better able to fight off disease and malnutrition. Studies show that the plan works but it has yet to gain substantial popularity due to resources and money. [Trust.org]