The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger and food security. Founded in 1961, it is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries. According to official data, WFP provides food assistance to an average of 91.4 million people in 83 countries each year. As of 2019, its reach increased to 97 million people in 88 countries, the largest since 2012, and two-thirds of its activities are conducted in conflict zones.
In addition to emergency food aid, WFP focuses on relief and rehabilitation, development aid, and special operations, such as making food systems more resilient against climate change and political instability. It is an executive member of the United Nations Development Group, which collectively aims to fulfil the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and has prioritized achieving SDG 2 for "zero hunger" by 2030.
The World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to provide food assistance in areas of conflicts.
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Tom VellFounder