The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is the largest humanitarian aid organization in the world. WFP works all over the globe to fight hunger, including crisis areas such as Darfur, Kenya, and Afghanistan. The Friends of the World Food Program, based in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness about global hunger and build support for WFP and its operations.
There are 854 million people worldwide who suffer from hunger.
Here is the text of an interview with Karen Sendelback, President and CEO of the Friends of the World Food Program.
What are some of the ways your organization is trying to increase awareness of global hunger and support WFP's operations?
Our organization serves WFP in three main ways. First, we raise money to support WFP operations throughout the developing world. From an elementary school bake sale to major corporate partnerships, we are there to educate and inform U.S. donors about what impact their contributions are having on 854 million chronically hungry poor. Second, we raise awareness across the United States and recruit individuals who are interested in helping WFP. By showing advocates how to communicate with their Members of Congress, helping organize informational events, and providing education on the basics on how to contact local newspapers, we mobilize Americans who are dedicated to ending hunger and poverty. Third, we reach out to the United States Congress, government officials, and other like-minded nonprofit organizations to educate them on the crucial role they play in eradicating poverty and hunger.
We have a solid plan of action and dedicated, hardworking staff; I am proud to report that we will continue to grow in effectiveness and efficiency in 2008!
How does Friends of the World Food Program support WFP's humanitarian operations in Darfur?
Since Darfur is one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, we have made a more targeted effort. We have had many people organize fundraising events to raise money specifically for the victims in Darfur. This is especially vital because nearly three million refugees rely on WFP for food supplies. In addition, we have set up separate pages on our website, which provide information about the ongoing crisis and what Americans can do to help.
You can learn more on their website.
There is ongoing controversy in the Congress about the fate of the McGovern-Dole legislation that provides school lunches to children in impoverished countries. The Senate and the House differ on the funding strategy for McGovern-Dole. How do you think they will settle this difference in the final version of the Farm Bill?
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
Kind of a puff interview, but I guess it's for a good cause. I sure wish you'd asked them if they're at least a little concerned that so much food aid goes into the hands of dictators and warlords who sell the supposed aid for profit to the detriment of their people.
Dave