Despite much progress, recent food, financial and weather crises have triggered an unrelenting growth in hunger around the globe. Today, a record one billion people – mostly women and children – go to bed hungry each night.
That’s why the World Food Programme is especially grateful to the many nations of Europe who have been so generous, and to the European Union (EU) for its continued commitment to the fight against hunger. So far this year, 20 European nations have contributed nearly €410 million to WFP’s work in more than 70 countries. In addition, the EU has donated more than €180 million – and, significantly, the EU’s pledges in 2009 have kept it on track to maintain the same level of funding as last year.
We are particularly grateful for the EU’s launch of its €1 billion EU Food Facility fund, which is focused on integrated hunger solutions. Under the EU food facility, WFP is working in nine countries, with €77.5 million dedicated to help small farmers -- mostly women and many dependent on food aid – to increase their food production and self-sufficiency.
As part of the Facility, WFP is working in partnership with local governments and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, to help farmers to irrigate their fields, protect against flood damage, plant trees and establish kitchen gardens, and to support school meal programmes in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, Guatemala and Bolivia.
The EU has also quickly responded to our calls for assistance to people in the Philippines where floods have devastated so many lives in recent weeks. At a time when donors are facing difficult financial challenges at home, the EU’s steadfast support means that we are able to work together to ensure that food reaches those who need it most.
Make no mistake, this generosity and commitment helps save millions of lives and for that, I extend our profound thanks.
