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WASHINGTON – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is grateful that the version of the U.S. Farm Bill that was released from a Congressional conference committee this evening will continue the United States’ strong record of support for international food assistance.
"The World Food Programme welcomes this renewed commitment from the United States, whose support in reaching the hungry poor has been essential and unwavering. At a time of multiple protracted hunger crises across the globe, new U.S. contributions to international food assistance will have an even greater impact than before," says WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin in Rome. "We thank the U.S. for giving WFP the opportunity to reach more in need." The Farm Bill covers myriad food and agriculture activities, including support for overseas assistance through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies. The U.S. government has long been WFP's single largest donor, quickly delivering support in the wake of disasters and conflict, as well as funding essential programmes such as school meals in the developing world. # # # WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. On average, WFP reaches more than 90 million people with food assistance in 80 countries each year.
Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media and @WFP_Africa. For more information, please contact: Steve Taravella, WFP/Washington, steve.taravella@wfp.org Tel. +1-202-653-1149, Mobile +1202-770-5993
