Feeding the most hungry

April 22, 2008

As world food prices continue to rise, World Vision is focused on both the short-term crisis and the long-term ability of poor communities to cope.

The continued rise in food and fuel prices prompted World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Josette Sheeran to say last month that without additional contributions, WFP will be able to reach fewer people than previously.

As the WFP's largest distribution partner, the news is of concern to World Vision.

“Our focus is always on long-term, sustainable outcomes,” says World Vision’s Director of International Programmes, Brent Morgan.

“Food aid has an important place in complex situations, when other interventions are not possible. It would be of concern to us if WFP’s work was hampered by rising food and fuel prices.”

World Vision New Zealand has four years’ experience in food aid partnerships with its offices around the world and WFP. World Vision New Zealand is working with the WFP in Kenya, Mauritania, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“Our engagement in food aid is sometimes long-term, as in Sudan, or may last a few months, depending on the situation.

“WFP uses a match-booking system, whereby for every dollar we invest, several dollars worth of food provided by WFP is distributed. So we see this as an effective use of donated funds,” says Brent Morgan.

Current price rises mean that the world’s poorest people will have to spend a larger proportion of their income on food. This may mean they will buy less food, or food that is less nutritious, or they may have to rely on outside help to fulfil their nutritional needs.

WFP says countries where price rises are expected to have a direct impact include Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Haiti, Djibouti, the Gambia, Tajikistan, Togo, Chad, Benin, Myanmar, Cameroon, Niger, Senegal, Yemen and Cuba.

Donate to World Vision's work with the World Food Programme or call 0800 800 776.