SAFE Act

S 436, the SAFE Act, requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a strategy within 30 days to address a global food crisis worsened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The strategy must focus on improving U.S. emergency food aid to vulnerable populations in Africa and the Middle East - regions already facing severe hunger - and consider how the war affects global food prices and supply chains. Key mechanisms include prioritizing local/regional food procurement (especially from Ukraine and U.S.-supported agricultural programs) while excluding purchases from Russia, China, or sanctioned countries, and allowing emergency food aid to bypass certain shipping restrictions. The bill aims to expand timely food assistance without harming local markets or U.S. agricultural trade.