13/05/2026
Chargé d'Affaires Eugene Young led the handover of U.S.-provided food commodities to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education under USDA's McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Organized by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and partners, in attendance were Katelyn Hickey-Schaub, USDA International Program Specialist, and Erik Syngle, Regional Agricultural Attaché, as well as Hon. Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, and key stakeholders in the school feeding sector.
The commodities, 624 metric tons of fortified rice, 86 metric tons of lentils, and 117 metric tons of fortified vegetable oil, are agricultural products purchased from American farmers then utilized to feed Gambian primary school children.
With $2 million in local procurement supporting Gambian farmers long term economic development, the program has delivered 17.7 million meals to 63,000+ schoolchildren, improving nutrition and learning outcomes. This team effort reflects America First foreign assistance: accountable, measurable, and beneficial to both nations.