rleary@umassd.eduvoice: (401) 841-4581
postal mail: 609 Union St., New Bedford, MA, USA 02740
Within a few weeks, the U.S.
government will be deciding the fate of the PL 480, Title II food aid
program to Cape Verde. This program, that currently provides one-fifth of
the total cereal available to the Capeverdean people, is scheduled to end in
September 1996. However, the final decision has not been made and your immediate action can make a difference on behalf of the people of Cape Verde. U.S. AID will be holding hearings in mid-May and it is crucial that you contact your representative/senator as soon as possible and let him or her know that you support the PL 480, Title II food aid program to Cape Verde.
If the U.S. cuts food aid to Cape Verde, food insecurity will be widespread. Due to severe drought, domestic food production is normally less than 10% of requirements. In the period 1990 to 1995, domestic corn production accounted for only seven percent of total domestic availability of cereals. This vital food aid program allows the people of Cape Verde to focus on important improvements in health, education, and small business development because U.S. food aid helps to maintain economic stability. In addition to providing food, this program provides employment to the most needy households. Profits from the sale of this food are used in important projects in improving irrigation methods, afforestation and soil conservation, all of which are aimed at enhancing the limited resources available for food production.
To find out more about this food aid program go to the recent Food Needs Assessment by Mark Langworthy.
Addressing your letter:
Representative:
Senator:
President:
The Honorable (name)
U.S. Congress
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable (name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
President William J. Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
rleary@umassd.edu
voice: (401) 841-4581
postal mail: 609 Union St., New Bedford, MA, USA 02740
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