There is a push going on among some aid agencies and in Congress this year to change U.S. aid policies. Until now, U.S. food aid to developing countries has usually involved sending U.S.-grown agricultural products to the affected countries. The problem is that such aid can put local farmers out of business. So many aid agencies, and some members of Congress, have proposed a solution that involves buying local food and helping distribute it rather than relying entirely on U.S.-produced food.
President Bush discussed the proposed U.S. change at the UN General Assembly this week.
This change makes a huge amount of sense to me. I’m wondering if the Church should follow suit and buy more locally produced goods, thereby developing local industry and helping local farmers, rather than sending most of its aid from the United States.
UPDATE: We got a response for Church humanitarian services. Read on.
