US Sends 183,700 Tons of Wheat to Ethiopia and Kenya

When food aid transforms into farming tools, training programs, and local market support, emergency relief becomes lasting change.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture just purchased 183,700 metric tons of American wheat headed for Ethiopia and Kenya. Four cargo ships will deliver the grain from Houston, Texas, and Kalama, Washington, to East Africa in the coming months.

This isn't traditional food aid. The wheat arrives through Food for Progress, a program designed to break the cycle of dependency. Instead of simply distributing grain, partner organizations sell it in local markets and invest every dollar earned into agricultural development.

Three international groups will manage the projects: Global Communities, Research Triangle Institute, and Counterpart International. They'll use the wheat sale proceeds to help local farmers improve their techniques, access better seeds, and connect with markets.

The approach tackles two challenges at once. Communities get immediate food security while building the farming infrastructure they need for the future. In countries facing recurring droughts and food shocks, this dual benefit matters deeply.

U.S. Wheat Associates will work directly with local buyers, sharing expertise on wheat quality and baking techniques. These relationships often grow into commercial partnerships that outlast the aid programs.

The Ripple Effect

Dalton Henry from U.S. Wheat Associates explained why this model works better than handouts. "For the U.S. wheat farmer, food aid is more than a donation. It is an investment in global stability and market access," he said.

The program proved itself in Colombia this year, where similar wheat sales funded agricultural projects while opening new trade relationships. Farmers gained knowledge and resources. Markets expanded. Communities became more resilient.

Ethiopia and Kenya both have strong agricultural potential but face infrastructure gaps and climate challenges. The funding from wheat sales will address exactly those barriers, supporting smallholder farmers who feed their communities.

By selling donated wheat locally rather than shipping prepared food, the program strengthens local grain markets instead of disrupting them. Mills, bakers, and traders all benefit from the activity.

This marks the first Food for Progress wheat purchase for the 2025 fiscal year, signaling continued U.S. commitment to development-focused aid. The model shows how strategic assistance can build capacity instead of creating dependency, turning today's help into tomorrow's self-sufficiency.