ADRA Forum Increases Capacity, Efficiency of Food Programs

Silver Spring, Maryland—The annual food forum of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), held March 8 – 19 in Maryland, USA concluded today.  The forum provided training for 43 project directors, finance officers, and country directors of Food Security programs in 14 countries.

The forum included a presentation by Lauren Landis, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Food For Peace director, on the trends and strategic direction of USAID PL 480 Title II food aid programs. Guest experts Tim Frankenburger and Tim Martione provided insight and training on Food Security strategies and risk issues such as impact mitigation.  The forum also addressed management and administrative issues related to Food Security projects and technical adjustments necessary for programs to be more effective and responsive to family food insecurity. In addition, Mario Ochoa, executive vice president of ADRA International, facilitated a review and discussion of ADRA’s Food Security strategic plan.

The second week provided concurrent, specialized training to improve capacity and skill in monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and efficiency. Country directors addressed food security strategic planning and curriculum development for ADRA’s Professional Leadership Institute (APLI).

“This training was used to learn about the new directions USAID food aid is taking.  There are major changes and ADRA needs to adjust to remain competitive in securing Title II resources in the future,” stated Ken Flemmer, bureau chief for program management at ADRA International.

Title II, donated United States-produced food commodities, is the largest single source of resources in the entire ADRA network.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity.