FEDERAL AGENCY:

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

The program was authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and is administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service.

OBJECTIVES:

The key objectives of the FFE program are to reduce hunger and improve literacy and primary education, especially for girls. By providing school meals, teacher training, and related support, FFE projects will help boost school enrollment and academic performance. At the same time, nutrition programs will be offered for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and pre-school youngsters to sustain and improve the health and learning capacity of children before they enter school.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The activities under the program must be in accordance with the terms of the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:  
A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed, (2) Experience working in the targeted country; and (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program. 7CFR 1599.3.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   The FFE program will focus on developing countries. The national government of the recipient country is fully committed to achieving the goals of the World Declaration on Education for All and should be taking steps to raise nutritional standards and improve the quality and availability of education.

Credentials/Documentation:   The program introduction shall include information about the organization's past food aid activities with particular emphasis on school feeding, maternal child health or other relevant development activities, its experience with the country where the program is proposed, and any other relevant information to demonstrate its capability to implement the program in the country, with particular emphasis on the organizations ability to identify and assess the needs of beneficiaries, especially malnourished or undernourished mothers and children who are 5 years of age or younger, and school-age children who are malnourished, undernourished, or do not regularly attend school. 7 CFR 1599.4(b)(1).

Pre-application Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   7 CFR 1599.4 - SF424 Program Introduction Plan of Operation Budget Proposal.

Award Procedure:   Application deadline is included in the announcements on the FAS website.

Deadlines:   About 60 days.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:    

None.

Appeals:    

Not applicable.

Renewals:    

None.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:    

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:    

Agreements normally include assistance or program implementation periods of 1-3 years.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  The agreements and regulations require semi-annual reports for commodity logistics and the use of proceeds from the sale of the commodities 7 CFR 1599.15. Organizations must submit quarterly financial reports for all funds advanced and all interest earned 7 CFR 1499.7.

Audits:  Non-governmental cooperating sponsors are subject of the audit requirements of OMB circular A-133 as implemented in USDA by 7 CFR part 3052. Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-profit organizations. The cooperating sponsor is also responsible for auditing the activities of recipient agencies that receive more that $25,000 of provided commodities or sale proceeds. 7 CFR 1599.16.

Records:   The Cooperating sponsor shall maintain records for a period of three (3) years from the date of export of the commodities that accurately reflect the receipt and use of the commodities and any proceeds realized from the sale of commodities. 7 CFR 1599.15(a).

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:  

12-4336-0-3-999.

Obligations:  

(Grants) FY 03 $100,000,000; FY 04 $49,175,000; and FY 05 est $50,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
Not applicable.

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