You may have heard of the World Food Programme (WFP) — but here are 12 facts that might surprise you:
1.) WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 in recognition of its strong advocacy for the critical role of peace in ending hunger and for the use of food as a tool for peace.
2.) In 2024, WFP assisted 124 million people in more than 120 countries and territories.
3.) Each day, WFP has up to 5,000 trucks, 20 ships and 80 aircraft on the move, delivering food and other assistance in some of the most remote and challenging parts of the world.
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4.) WFP is the frontline agency responding to emergencies caused by conflict, extreme weather, pandemics and other disasters.
5.) WFP provides school meals to 20 million children, improving both their nutrition and their access to a potentially life-changing education.
6.) WFP is facing a 40% funding shortfall compared to last year. This funding gap is pushing 58 million people, including 9 million refugees, into absolute desperation. The consequences are dire for families who rely on WFP for a single daily meal.
7.) WFP sourced $59 million dollars worth of food from small-scale farmers in 2024.
8.) In 2024, WFP reached 27.6M women and children through malnutrition treatment and prevention programs: 13.8M people were reached through treatment programs and 13.7M people were reached through prevention programs.
9.) In 2024, WFP delivered 2.5 million metric tons of food.
10.) WFP is proud to work with around 1,000 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the globe, from small grassroots groups to large international humanitarian agencies. 62% of WFP aid is channeled through NGOs.
11.) WFP is the largest cash provider in the humanitarian community. $2.2 billion dollars of assistance was provided this way in 2024. Cash increases consumer choice and strengthens local markets.
12.) More than 50% of the people that WFP serves are women and girls.
The accomplishments of 2024 are a vital foundation as we work to bring lifesaving meals to millions more of the most vulnerable people on the planet. You can support our efforts by donating.
Learn more about how WFP fits into the United Nations, and the role of World Food Program USA.
This post was written by Paul Anthem, Simona Beltrami and Mert Er and originally appeared on wfp.org/stories.
