World Food Programme (WFP)

 WFP is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.

 WFP works from its headquarters at Rome to help people who cannot produce or obtain enough food for themselves and their families.

 It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its Executive Committee.

 The WFP was formally established in 1963 by the FAO and the United Nations General Assembly.

 The WFP strives to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, with the ultimate goal in mind of eliminating the need for food aid itself.

 WFP’s efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations.

 WFP food aid is also directed to fight micronutrient deficiencies, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat disease, including HIV and AIDS.

 Food-for-work programmes help promote environmental and economic stability and agricultural production.

 WFP has coordinated the five-year Purchase for Progress (P4P) pilot project which assists smallholder farmers by offering them opportunities to access agricultural markets and to become competitive players in the market place.

 The WFP operations are funded by voluntary donations from world governments, corporations and private donors.