UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME MOBILISES TO ASSIST PHILIPPINES IN AFTERMATH OF TYPHOON HAIYAN

World Food Program USA Issues Urgent Appeal for Donations to Help Those in Need

MANILA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is ramping up its operation in the Philippines, deploying emergency assistance to support the Government to help people affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan.

WFP officials joined a UN-Government assessment mission today to survey damage in Leyte and Samar provinces, and further teams are due to be deployed. WFP is mobilising food stocks at its humanitarian response depots around the world.

“The devastation we saw in Tacloban today was shocking,” said WFP Representative and Country Director Praveen Agrawal. “People have lost their homes and livelihoods, and the damage to infrastructure is substantial. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this terrible storm, and WFP is ready to assist in any way it can.”

Americans are asked to make urgent donations to support life-saving food relief for the millions impacted by Typhoon Haiyan.  Donations can be made at www.wfpusa.org or by texting the word AID to 27722 to instantly donate $10.

“Help is urgently needed from the American people to reach those in greatest need in the Philippines,” said World Food Program USA CEO Rick Leach. “WFP is already mobilizing to respond to this disaster with critical emergency food relief and stands ready to help families and children impacted by the storm.”

WFP has mobilized an immediate US$2 million for the response, but will be appealing for more funds as the needs become clearer. As a preliminary measure, 40 metric tons of fortified biscuits are due to be flown in from Dubai in the coming days. High Energy Biscuits are often provided in the early days of a crisis as they are light to transport and do not need cooking. WFP is also looking at a range of other food commodities to stabilize the nutrition situation and meet immediate food needs.

WFP is also working with the government to boost logistics and emergency telecommunications capacity as required.

When disaster strikes and hours can mean the difference between life and death, the UN World Food Programme is among the first on the ground to provide life-saving assistance. WFP crosses the world’s toughest terrain to get food to the people who need it most, no matter what it takes.

As the largest humanitarian organization in the world, WFP feeds more than 97 million people in 80 countries last year. Funded entirely by voluntary donations, WFP counts on ongoing support to be able to provide food where and when it is needed most.

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Please make a donation now to provide emergency food assistance to families and children: www.wfpusa.org

About World Food Program USA

World Food Program USA (WFP USA) works to solve global hunger, building a world where everyone has the food and nutrition needed to lead healthy, productive lives. WFP USA raises support for these efforts in the United States by engaging individuals, organizations and businesses, shaping public policy and generating resources for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

$10.00 donation to World Food Program USA. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance.  All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply.  Text STOP to 27722 to STOP. Text HELP to 27722 for HELP.