United Nations World Food Programme

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is a humanitarian organization dedicated to combating hunger and promoting food security worldwide. Established in 1961, the WFP is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.

History

The WFP was established on December 15, 1961, following a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly. The organization was initially set up as a three-year experimental programme, but its mandate was extended in 1965 to address food needs on an ongoing basis.

Mission

The mission of the WFP is to save lives and protect livelihoods in emergencies, support food security and nutrition and help build resilience in communities to withstand shocks and stressors. The WFP works towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

Operations

The WFP operates in more than 80 countries around the world, reaching approximately 91.4 million people with food assistance in 2019. The organization's operations include emergency interventions, long-term relief and development projects, and special operations, such as logistics support and emergency telecommunications.

Funding

The WFP is funded entirely by voluntary donations, primarily from governments of the world, but also from corporations, foundations and individuals. In 2019, the WFP raised $8 billion in cash and in-kind donations.

Recognition

In 2020, the WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.

See also

• Food security
• United Nations
• Nobel Peace Prize