Press Release – USDBC Fights Food Aid Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

US DRY BEAN COUNCIL FIGHTS TO KEEP “IN-KIND’ FOOD AID PROGRAMS

June 4, 2015

Miami, Florida

Citing concerns with the current Congressional efforts dedicated to food aid reform, The US Dry Bean Council (USDBC) leadership has re-chartered its Food Aid Committee. The Committee is tasked with promoting the benefits of in-kind food assistance and increasing the volume of dry beans used in feeding and nutritional programs.  USDBC Food Aid Committee Chair Joe Cramer emphasized, “We have redoubled our efforts to communicate a clear message on the importance of in kind food aid. We believe that any efforts to move away from in-kind food aid could have a negative impact on vulnerable populations around the world and their ability to overcome hunger and malnutrition.”

Executive Director Rebecca Bratter notes that USDBC “will be working closely with our colleagues in agricultural trade to communicate the importance of in-kind food aid in Washington DC, and we’ll also be working directly with our local constituents in the field to make sure they hear and understand our concerns.”

Information on USDBC’s current food aid programs and guiding principles is available at www.usdrybeans.com

For More Information please contact the US Dry Bean Council at info@.

The U.S. Dry Beans Council (USDBC) was formed in 1954 to represent farmers, dealers and corporate members who grow, handle, export and process dry beans grown in the United States.  The purpose and mission of the USDBC is to provide a unified voice for the dry bean industry, and to promote the healthy attributes of our food to increase the consumption of beans grown in the United States.  The USDBC strives to be successful in representing the diverse interests of the U.S. dry bean producers, handlers and processors, affecting the U.S. industry’s ability to compete both domestically and globally.