By Haddy Touray
A delegation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has concluded a week-long monitoring visit to The Gambia aimed at assessing the implementation of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programme.
According to a statement obtained on Tuesday, the USDA-funded programme, implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with The Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, supports school feeding initiatives while promoting education and nutrition among Gambian schoolchildren.
The delegation, led by USDA International Program Specialist Katelyn Hickey-Schaub and Regional Agricultural Attaché Erik Syngle, held discussions with Gambian government officials and observed commodity distribution and school feeding operations in several parts of the country.
According to programme figures, about 4,670 metric tons of U.S.-grown food commodities, equivalent to more than 10 million pounds, have so far been distributed under the initiative. The programme currently provides daily meals to more than 63,000 Gambian schoolchildren, with over 17.7 million meals served since its launch.
Officials said the initiative also includes targeted local procurement aimed at strengthening Gambian agricultural markets and supporting long-term sustainability of school feeding systems.
During the visit, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Eugene S. Young joined USDA officials and Gambian authorities at a handover ceremony of U.S.-funded food commodities at the CRS warehouse in Jeshwang. The delegation also met Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow and attended the National School Feeding Forum, which focused on strategies for developing sustainable, nationally-led school feeding programmes.
“This visit demonstrates how America First foreign assistance delivers real results supporting American agriculture while investing in education, nutrition, and stability here in The Gambia,” Young said at the forum.
He added that the McGovern-Dole programme reflected “responsible stewardship and commitment to partnerships that build self-reliance and reduce long-term dependence on aid.”
Syngle said the programme underscored accountability and sustainability in development cooperation.
“American farmers grow the commodities that power this programme, and American oversight ensures every ton delivers measurable results,” he said.
The delegation also visited beneficiary schools across different regions of the country and held talks with senior Gambian officials, including the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Habibatou Drammeh.
USDA officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting programmes that strengthen agriculture, promote strategic partnerships and improve nutrition and education outcomes.-