March 14/Washington/States News Service -- John Brewer, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced FAS is seeking additional proposals for the Micronutrient-Fortified Food Aid Products Pilot (MFFAPP) Program administered under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition (McGovern-Dole) Program. Up to $9 million is available this fiscal year.

"During a child's life, intake of foods with appropriate vitamin and mineral content is imperative to ensuring a healthy future," said Brewer. "I encourage private voluntary, non-governmental, and international organizations to submit proposals to participate in this Program so they can make a significant impact on a child's life."

Under the program, participants who sign an agreement with FAS will have access to resources provided by the agency to develop and field test new and improved micronutrient-fortified products. These products should be designed to meet the energy and nutrient needs of populations served by the McGovern-Dole Program. Micronutrient-fortified food products are nutritionally enhanced through added vitamins or minerals to address the micronutrient deficiencies of a population or group. Through this effort, USDA hopes to identify new products that would be readily available for distribution through the McGovern-Dole Program. More information about the MFFAPP and how to apply through the Federal Register can be found at the following address: http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/03/14/2011-5712/notice-of-funding-availability-inviting-applications-for-mcgovern-dole-international-food-for .

Proposals related to this announcement are due at 5 p.m. EDT on June 15, 2011. Interested organizations are required to submit a completed form SF-424, an introductory statement, and a plan of operation. Application instructions, including guidance on preparing the introductory statement and plan of operation, are at the following address: www.fas.usda.gov/excredits/FoodAid/FFE/FFE.asp. The entire application package must be submitted electronically to either FAS' online proposal entry system located at www.fas.usda.gov/excredits/FoodAid/FFE/ApplyForProgram.asp, which is the preferred method, or by e-mail to ppded@fas.usda.gov .

From the March 21, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition