WFP: Budget shortfall threatens UNs ability to feed millions worldwide

United Nations, New York, 30 July 2009 - Noon briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Millions of hungry people around the world will not receive food aid from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) due to a dangerous and unprecedented $3 billion budget shortfall this year, the head of the agency has warned.

WFP is hoping to reach 108 million people in 74 countries this year with food aid, but it expects to receive only $3.7 billion of the $6.7 billion needed for 2009.

We are actively cutting $3 billion of our programme which means a reduction in rations and programmes throughout the world, including those to the worlds most vulnerable people, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran told reporters yesterday in Washington, ahead of meetings at the White House.

News story:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31628&Cr=hung&Cr1=

WFP Web site:
www.wfp.org/

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• United Nations
• UN
• WFP
• Budget
• Food
• Hunger
• Famine
• Poverty