World Food Programme (WFP)

Why in news?

World Food Programme (WFP) conveyed that the rapidly growing novel Coronavirus pandemic so far has little impact on the global food supply chain but that could change for the worse if major food importers remain anxious to import more food grains and commodities.

 About World Food Programme (WFP)

• The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food assistance branch of the United Nations.
• It was found in 1961, governed by an Executive Board which consists of representatives from member states.
• It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its Executive Committee.
• Headquarter is in Rome (Italy), it is the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.
• The WFP strives to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, with the ultimate goal in mind of eliminating the need for food aid itself.
• The WFP operations are funded by voluntary donations from world governments, corporations and private donors. WFP food aid is also directed to fight micronutrient deficiencies, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat disease, including HIV and AIDS.
• The objectives of the World Food Programme are:
  • Save lives and protect livelihoods in emergencies.
  • Support food security and nutrition and (re)build livelihoods in fragile settings and following emergencies.
  • Reduce risk and enable people, communities and countries to meet their own food and nutrition needs.
  • Reduce under-nutrition and break the inter-generational cycle of hunger.
  • Zero Hunger in 2030.

Prelims Question

Which of the following statements regarding World Food Programme (WEP) is incorrect?

a) It is a food assistance division of the United Nations.

b) Its ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for food aid.

c) Its aims to eliminate malnutrition and stunting by 2030.

d) It is funded by voluntary donations from world governments, corporations and private donors.

Answer to the Prelims Question