The Agriculture Department, which has temporarily taken over management of the Food for Peace program, is partnering with the World Food Program to distribute more than 200,000 tons of international food aid, with purchases of U.S. commodities anticipated by March, according to documents seen by Agri-Pulse. USDA expects to buy over 200,000 tons of U.S. commodities, according to the agreement, including 45,000 tons of rice, 37,000 tons of cornmeal, 36,000 tons of sorghum, 31,000 tons of wheat, 13,000 tons of yellow split peas, 12,000 tons of vegetable oil, and 22,000 tons of specialized nutritious food. “USDA anticipates issuing this initial Food for Peace award to WFP, which will lead to purchases of bulk and formulated U.S. agricultural commodities by March,” USDA's statement reads. The Food for Peace program is statutorily assigned to the U.S. Agency for International Development. “We always knew USDA had the heart, talent, and sound judgement to run Food for Peace, and they keep proving us right.