UN World Food Programme Mobilizes to Deliver Emergency Food Relief in the Wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

Published November 8, 2013

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

Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines today, impacting tens of millions of families and children. With a long-standing presence and history of responding to emergencies in the Philippines, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is working closely with the government to coordinate emergency relief efforts in the areas along the typhoon’s path. Initial estimates suggest as many as 2.5 million people will require immediate food assistance in the storm’s aftermath.

“Help is urgently needed from the American people to support 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.”

With wind speeds approaching 195 miles per hour, the typhoon has been called the strongest tropical cyclone in the world this year. When daylight comes tomorrow, communities across the country will be counting on WFP to be there with emergency assistance.

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 fed 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.

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.

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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).