U.S. support for El Salvador to meet the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and post-tropical storms Amanda and Cristobal recovery continues to arrive. U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGO) People Helping People and Convoy of Hope sent a donation of 64,000 pounds (29,030 kilograms) in food and hygiene kits to benefit Salvadorans.
The C-17 cargo plane from the U.S. Department of Defense through the Denton Program, arrived with the donation on August 8 at the 2nd Air Brigade located in Comalapa, and was received by U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Ronald Johnson and Winifred Patricia Menéndez, director of Convoy of Hope El Salvador.
The donation of non-perishable food, valued at $150,000, includes: pancake mix, rice, lentils, powdered milk, sugar, dried fruits, dehydrated potatoes, instant soups, canned tomatoes, and hygiene kits. Convoy of Hope plans to distribute the entire donation, with the support of other social organizations, to 29,500 people nationwide, especially in La Paz and Sonsonate, in a period of 20 days.
The COVID-19 pandemic and tropical storms Amanda and Cristobal have caused food shortages nationwide. This donation is expected to benefit low-income families and children with malnutrition.
The arrival of this important donation is a sign of the United States’ commitment to support El Salvador. Since the onset of the emergency, the United States has donated nearly $72 million to address the COVID-19 pandemic, improve security and strengthen the Salvadoran economy. Ambassador Johnson stressed the importance of U.S. cooperation in El Salvador. “This donation is an indication that the ties between the U.S. and El Salvador go beyond government to government relations. U.S. NGOs like Convoy of Hope and People Helping People are also carrying out impactful work on behalf of El Salvador.”