WASHINGTON  - U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust has donated 200,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat to avert famine in the African nation of Sudan.

"American agriculture is vital to health and well-being throughout the world. In Sudan, where millions of people are on the cusp of famine, this wheat is the difference between life and death," Emerson said. "We have a responsibility to help by using the agricultural bounty of our own lands. During a season of giving, this donation is a small contribution to a nation in need, but it is a very important contribution."

In November, Emerson and 29 of her colleagues in the House of Representatives asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release wheat from the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.

"Bill cared a great deal for food aid programs. Growing up in Southern Missouri, it made plain sense to him that part of the crops we raise go to fight hunger. I’m honored that this program is named for him because of his devotion to this issue, and I am very proud of this donation," Emerson said.

The Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust is a reserve of wheat, corn, rice, and sorghum that can be used to fulfil food aid commitments made by the U.S. to developing nations.

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