Why in the news?

• The Government of India and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate in addressing global hunger.

World Food Programme (WFP)

• Establishment: 1961 by FAO and the UN General Assembly.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Nature: World’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.
• Missions and Objectives:
  • The primary mission of the World Food Programme is to eradicate hunger and malnutrition across the globe.
  •  It aims to provide food assistance to those in need, especially in regions affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
  • The WFP also focuses on building resilience and sustainable solutions to hunger, working with communities and governments to improve food security in the long term.
• Operation:
  • Operates in 120+ countries and territories.
  • Provides emergency relief, nutrition programmes, school meals, and resilience-building projects.
  • Relies entirely on voluntary contributions from governments, private sector, and individuals.
  • First development programme: Sudan, 1963.
• India and WFP:
  • Partnership since the 1960s.
  • Supports Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Mid-Day Meals, and food fortification.
• Recognition: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace.