WFP: A Lifeline for the World's Hungry Poor

Strategic Insights -

The World Food Programme (WFP), the food assistance programme of the United Nations, has been at the forefront of providing emergency relief and rehabilitation to those affected by natural and man-made disasters, displaced people, and the hungry poor worldwide. Since its founding in 1961, WFP has achieved remarkable milestones, including feeding over 1.4 billion people and investing more than USD 3 billion in emergency relief and rehabilitation. The agency's mission is to deliver food aid to those in need at the right time and place, relying entirely on voluntary contributions from governments, businesses, and the private sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • WFP is the food assistance programme of the United Nations, created in 1961 and operational in 1963, with a mission to meet the emergency needs of victims of natural and man-made disasters, displaced people, and the world's hungry poor.
  • Since its founding, WFP has fed more than 1.4 billion people and invested more than USD 3 billion in emergency relief and rehabilitation.
  • On average, WFP aims to reach more than 80 million people with food assistance in more than 80 countries.
  • WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions, mainly from governments, but also from businesses and the private sector.
  • The EU is one of the world's main humanitarian aid donors, with the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) responsible for providing emergency assistance and relief outside the EU.
  • WFP Projected Income for 2016 is USD 4.9 billion.

Statistics:

  • 1.4 billion: Number of people fed by WFP since its founding.
  • USD 3 billion: Amount invested by WFP in emergency relief and rehabilitation.
  • 80 million: Average number of people reached by WFP with food assistance per year.
  • 80: Number of countries where WFP delivers food assistance.
  • 1961: Year WFP was created.
  • 1963: Year WFP became operational.
  • 2016: Year with WFP Projected Income of USD 4.9 billion.

Sources:

  • WFP (creative commons license)
  • European Union External Action Service (News Release)