Galen Beery Legacy Exhibit

Rice Program

During the civil war in Laos, conflict and displacement created a significant need for humanitarian aid, especially for refugees and paramilitary dependents. The rice program was developed to meet this need, ensuring essential supplies like rice were delivered to these groups. More than just a food distribution effort, the rice program was a vital survival strategy, deeply integrated into the military, socio-economic, and humanitarian initiatives of the time (Hillmer, 2007b).

To meet the demands, rice was imported from other countries, such as Thailand, and also bought from local villages. An aspect of the rice program was aimed at buying rice from friendly villagers and distributing it to other villages. This was part of a broader strategy to support friendly villagers and ensure they had the necessary resources (Hillmer, 2007b).