World Food Programme

World Food Programme

Abbreviation	WFP
Formation	1961
Type	Intergovernmental organization
Legal status	Active
Headquarters	Rome, Italy
Region served	Worldwide
Executive Director	David Beasley
Parent organization	United Nations

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The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. Founded in 1961, the WFP provides food assistance to an average of 91.4 million people in 83 countries each year. The WFP is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its Executive Committee.

History

The WFP was established in 1961 after the 1960 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference, when the United States and Canada proposed the creation of a multilateral food aid program. The WFP was formally established by the FAO and the United Nations General Assembly in 1963 on a three-year experimental basis. In 1965, the program was extended indefinitely.

Mission

The WFP's mission is to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for food aid itself. The organization provides food assistance in emergencies and works with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The WFP's efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

Operations

The WFP operates in various regions around the world, providing food assistance through different programs, including:

• Emergency Response: Providing food aid in response to natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies.
• School Feeding Programs: Offering meals to children in schools to improve nutrition and encourage education.
• Nutrition Programs: Targeting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to prevent malnutrition.
• Food for Assets: Providing food in exchange for work on community projects, such as building infrastructure or improving agriculture.

Funding

The WFP is funded entirely by voluntary donations from governments, corporations, and private donors. The organization relies on contributions to carry out its programs and respond to emergencies.

Leadership

The WFP is led by an Executive Director, who is appointed jointly by the United Nations Secretary-General and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The current Executive Director is David Beasley, who has held the position since April 2017.

Achievements

The WFP has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger, 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.

Related Pages

• United Nations
• Food and Agriculture Organization
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Emergency Response
• School Feeding Programs
• Nutrition Programs
• Food for Assets
• David Beasley