FNS Release No. 0008.03                                                                                Jean Daniel (703) 305-2286

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DELEGATION ARRIVES IN SIERRA LEONE TO DISCUSS FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND OTHER NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, Nov. 17, 2003-A U.S. Department of Agriculture delegation headed by Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Eric M. Bost arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone today to discuss nutrition assistance programs. The Sierra Leone Ministry of Education, Science and Technology invited the U.S. delegation to Sierra Leone to provide information and technical assistance on the operation of food distribution and other nutrition assistance programs, including school meals. 

"Nutrition and hunger assistance are priorities for this administration," Bost said. "I am pleased to be here representing President Bush and Secretary Veneman to share information and provide technical assistance about nutrition assistance programs to the government of Sierra Leone."

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service is responsible for 15 domestic nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the Food Stamp Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

"We look forward to sharing the lessons we've learned from feeding hungry children and low-income Americans with the government of Sierra Leone," Bost said. "Without question, our commitment to provide nutrition assistance to eligible children and families makes America stronger. We look forward to our collaboration with the government of Sierra Leone."

The U.S. delegation will be in Sierra Leone from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20. The delegation will meet with officials from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and tour schools and other facilities.

Additional information about nutrition assistance programs is available at www.fns.usda.gov.

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