Over the course of seven decades, the U.S. government and its people have led the global fight against hunger. It’s a legacy built upon a proud and loud declaration that America will do its part to feed families in need around the world.
Fighting hunger is part of America's DNA
WFP USA CONTINUES TO FIGHT GLOBAL HUNGER AND BUILD STRONG SUPPORT FOR WFP IN THE USA
World Food Program USA (WFP USA) is a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to building support within the U.S. for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). It is headquartered in Washington, DC. The President & CEO reports to a Board of Directors comprised of leaders who are committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to help alleviate global hunger.
Photo: WFP/Saikat Mojumder
FRIENDS OF WFP IS RENAMED WORLD FOOD PROGRAM USA
In 2007, Friends of WFP, Inc. changed its name to World Food Program, Inc. (DBA World Food Program USA).
SENATORS GEORGE MCGOVERN AND BOB DOLE
Anti-hunger champions, Senators George McGovern and Bob Dole, transformed how the U.S. feeds the most vulnerable among us. They were united in the belief that no child should suffer from hunger. Thanks to their efforts, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program was established in 2002, and has since grown into a global school meals program that has fed more than 44 million children in 41 countries.
Photo: WFP
FRIENDS OF WFP BEGINS PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS IN THE USA
In 1997, a system was established to receive and account for private sector contributions to support the mission of the UN World Food Programme.
FRIENDS OF WFP IS INCORPORATED IN THE USA
Friends of WFP, Inc. was incorporated on July 12, 1995 in the USA, forming its first board of directors.
Source: WFP's History
WFP'S FIRST WOMAN DIRECTOR: CATHERINE BERTINI
In April 1992, Catherine Bertini (from the United States) serves as the ninth Executive Director of the World Food Programme from April 1992 to April 2002. Ms Bertini is the first woman to head a United Nations organization.
Source: WFP's History Photo: WFP
FAMINE IN ETHIOPIA INSPIRES "LIVE AID" CONCERT AND USA FOR AFRICA'S "WE ARE THE WORLD"
WFP delivers 2 million tons of aid after the worst famine in 100 years hits Ethiopia. WFP responds as stark images of starvation leap from headlines and broadcasts around the world. The outcry prompts fundraising efforts “Band Aid” and “Live Aid”. Between 1983 and 1985, WFP mounts 87 separate relief operations delivering a total of 2 million tons of assistance.
Source: WFP's History Photo: WFP/D Crai
MULTILATERAL FOOD AID PROGRAM
In April, 1961, George McGovern (right), director of the U.S. Food for Peace Program, proposes establishing a multilateral food aid program with a fund of $100 million in commodities and cash on a three-year experimental basis. On November 24th, 1961, a United Nations General Assembly resolution officially establishes WFP as a joint UN and FAO undertaking.
Source: WFP's History Photo: WFP
"A WORKABLE SCHEME FOR PROVIDING FOOD AID"
In September 1960, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposes to the UN General Assembly that a "workable scheme should be devised for providing food aid through the UN system." The idea leads to the founding of the World Food Programme.
Source: WFP's History Photo: WFP/Tom Haskell
President Harry S. Truman
Seventy years ago, President Harry S. Truman used the first ever televised presidential address to talk about war and hunger. As families in Europe faced food shortages after the Second World War, he called upon Americans to boost the European continent’s recovery with the help of U.S. food aid. Harry Truman presided over one of the most considerable foreign aid and reconstruction projects in the history of the United States, launching the Marshall plan, an investment of $15 billion dollars ($100 billion in today’s dollars) in rebuilding the European economy in the aftermath of the war.
Photo: The New York Times
Our Vision
WFP USA is the recognized leader in America’s pursuit to end global hunger, inspiring individuals, businesses and policymakers to do everything in their power to create a zero hunger world.
Our Mission
Consistent with the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme, World Food Program USA works with U.S. policymakers, corporations, foundations and individuals to help provide financial and in-kind resources and develop policies needed to alleviate global hunger.
We believe in a world without hunger
… where children have the proper nutrition for a healthy start to life.
… where families have access to food even when natural disaster strikes or conflict erupts.
… where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and participate in markets.
… where nations have the ability to respond in times of crisis.
… where Americans work together to alleviate conditions that perpetuate chronic hunger.
… where food enables every human being to reach their potential.
WFP USA is pleased to announce that UNICEF USA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Barron Segar, has joined the organization as its new President and CEO.
WFP USA is governed by an unpaid Board of Directors who volunteer their extensive experience and unique expertise to help us achieve a world with Zero Hunger.
WFP USA is made up of talented, committed people who are experts in their field and passionate about ending global hunger.
How we get the job done...
We ensure that the WFP USA is fiscally sound, adheres to all legal and auditing requirements, has fully engaged board leadership, and institutes best practices in all areas of non-profit management, human resources, and information systems.
Developing and Advocating Policy
We develop and advocate for policies that foster a comprehensive approach to promoting global food security and that help ensure that the U.S. government continues to lead the world in fighting and eradicating hunger.
U.S. Government Funding
We are committed to securing a robust U.S. government financial commitment toward fighting and eradicating hunger including a strong commitment to the World Food Programme, the largest humanitarian relief organization in the world.
Private Sector Fundraising
We offer a direct channel for corporations, foundations and individuals to provide assistance in the form of financial donations, employee engagement, in-kind donations and technical assistance to support WFP operations.
Marketing and Communications
We design, integrate and execute a broad range of public relations, marketing and communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect WFP USA’s reputation, and positively position WFP USA and WFP in the U.S.
Solving Hunger . For Good.
At WFP USA we believe that hunger is the world’s most solvable problem.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States builds upon its legacy of leadership toward alleviating global hunger.
Through policy leadership, fundraising and strategic outreach, we persuade the American people, business community and government to support the World Food Programme and join our movement to feed the world.
Take Action
How much do you know about the causes of global hunger? Let’s find out! The answers may surprise you.
Start QuizFamilies caught in crisis need your help. Your signature is more powerful than you know. Sign our pledge today.
Sign NowConflict is the #1 cause of hunger in the world. Click and scroll through our interactive infographic to learn more.
View NowYou can be the difference between a child going to bed hungry and waking up with a nourishing meal.
Join Now