Food Aid Quality Review Phase II: Technical Report No. 2

The contract, known as FAQR Phase II, builds on the work performed under the original FAQR and focuses on implementing recommendations made in Phase I for changes in food aid products, programming, and processes. The FAQR Phase II activities include advancing the evidence base through production and testing of improved food products, their packaging and delivery methods, and comparative studies of products' nutritional effectiveness. The work of the FAQR Phase II continues to address three areas of focus: products, programs, and processes. Specific areas of concentration include the development of specifications for updated Fortified Blended Foods (FBFs), including CSB14, as well as milled flours, enhanced vegetable oil, and the micronutrient premix(es). Implementation of Phase II activities began in January 2012 and focused on reviewing current and drafting updated specifications for CSB, milled cereals, vegetable oil, and other FBFs. The team also worked on incorporating these specifications into Section I of the most current USDA Commodity Requirements Documents (CRDs) and seeking partners to produce pilot amounts of CSB14, doubly fortified vegetable oil, and fortified cereals. Field studies will be initiated in two countries to assess the feasibility of ensuring that CSB is programmed with oil and the impact of package changes on correct use and other aspects. Once the new CSB14 is developed, field studies will be conducted in two countries assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the new CSB14, delivered with oil, in the prevention and treatment of moderate wasting and in the prevention of stunting in children under age two. The FAQR Phase II also focuses on the formation of an Interagency Food Aid Technical Committee and implementing regular meetings with major food aid agencies to address the need for harmonization of food products and related procurement and quality assurance processes used in the Title II food aid. Regular work is being done with industry and other stakeholders to promote public/private partnerships for innovation and ensure stakeholder input. The team has been working to finalize selection of countries in which to conduct field studies and has been consulting with USAID/FFP Country Backstop Officers and Implementing Agency staff members. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Malawi was selected as a "non-emergency" country to test FAQR recommendations. The study in Malawi will assess the feasibility of delivering CSB with oil to beneficiaries in Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) programs administered by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that use Title II commodities, and the effect of modifying the packaging of CSB to improve communication of appropriate uses. Harley Stokes, a new FAQR II Team Member, began a review of the data collected from Title II implementing agencies as part of required reporting, and how the data are used to inform programming. The team also worked on preparing a specification for a stand-alone premix, both industrial and home versions, and submitted it to USAID/FFP.