Magaziner Statement on Restoration of Lifesaving Food Aid Produced by Edesia Nutrition

WARWICK, RI – Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) released the following statement in response to the announcement of a tender from the U.S. State Department for Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic (RUTF) food aid that is produced by Edesia Nutrition, and the coming shipment of already produced food that has been sitting in Edesia’s warehouse for months since the dismantling of USAID. 

“This announcement is a huge victory for children facing starvation and for the Rhode Islanders who work every day at Edesia to save lives,” said Magaziner. “I have advocated for the restoration of this vital food aid for months, and today’s announcement is a major step in the right direction. We will continue to push to ensure this federal funding is received and lifesaving food aid is no longer held up.”

The announcement of the release of funding for a new tender and a shipping assignment for food aid already produced and sitting in Edesia’s warehouse follows a six month-long lapse in funding caused by the dismantling of USAID, which had historically supported Edesia’s operations. During this gap, Edesia has received no new federal orders, despite funding for the Food for Peace program having been appropriated by Congress. 

Rep. Magaziner has spoken on the House floor every day that the chamber has been in session since April of this year, a total of 33 times, demanding restoration of this food aid. The news is a positive development, but further vigilance is required to ensure that this Congressionally-approved funding is disbursed and scaled up to meet the full amount appropriated for Fiscal Year 2025.