American Relief Administration (ARA) and its participation in the fight against hunger in the Volga region (early 1920s)

The article examines the activities of the American Relief Administration (ARA), a US charitable organization in Russia, during the mass famine of 1921–1923, and shows its specific role in eliminating hunger in the Saratov Volga region. 300 employees who came from America and about 10,000 Soviet citizens were involved in providing assistance. The humanitarian mission helped starving children and the sick with food, clothing, and meditsines, primarily in the most famine-stricken provinces of the Volga region. ARA was also involved in sending parcels from individuals or other organizations to rescue the hungry. The budget of the ARA used to overcome hunger in Russia exceeded $ 60 million. The analysis of the activities of the ARA demonstrates a high degree of compassion and solidarity between government agencies and the public of the United States, shown in relation to the population of a number of regions of Russia facing the threat of extinction.