U.S. Allocates $100 Million to Boost Dairy in Global Food Aid

The United States has announced a significant expansion of its international food assistance programs with the launch of 'Operation End Starvation.' The initiative, supported by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), will see the U.S. Department of State allocate up to $100 million over two years to enhance the delivery of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs), which are enriched with U.S. milk powders.

This effort builds on prior distributions that provided more than 27,000 metric tons of RUTFs to treat approximately 2.7 million severely malnourished children across 15 developing countries in the past year. American dairy ingredients, particularly nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder, are integral to these RUTFs, offering essential nutrients and aiding in the physiological recovery of malnourished populations.

In February 2026, Congress approved $300 million in federal funding specifically for RUTF procurement, highlighting the central role of U.S. dairy in global food aid. This legislative support not only aids in combating global malnutrition but also secures a stable commercial outlet for domestic dairy producers.

Further, NMPF and USDEC have recommended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expand the integration of dairy products into non-emergency programs such as Food for Peace. Their proposals include incorporating U.S. milk powders into institutional feeding and school milk programs, increasing federal procurement of dairy-fortified SuperCereal+ blends, and simplifying distribution protocols for specialized dairy formulations.

The focus on dairy products is underpinned by their rigorous food safety standards, extended shelf life, and rich nutrient profile. These attributes not only contribute to immediate nutritional relief but also introduce young consumers in emerging markets to American dairy products, potentially fostering long-term market development.