Mormons Combating Global Hunger with Donation to World Food Program

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• published: 30 Sep 2016
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented a $3 million donation to the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) on behalf of the Church during a recent visit to Rome, Italy. On July 17, President Uchtdorf met with Ertharin Cousin, executive director of the WFP. The donation will be used to provide food to refugees and displaced people in Cameroon, Chad and Syria. With 65 million refugees worldwide, the Church is committed to alleviating suffering in all its forms, including hunger. "I presented a check to the World Food Programme on behalf of [members of the Church]. The generous offerings of our worldwide membership make such a donation possible. Their commitment, their collective resolve to do something, and not just say something, will ultimately make a difference in the lives of God's children," said President Uchtdorf. President Uchtdorf also toured two refugee camps near Athens during his European visit. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) hosted his visit to the Piraeus camp, which help about 1300 people outside of Athens. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) also invited him to the Eleonas refugee camp, which is home to more than 2400 residents. LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church, partners with CRS and IRC to aid refugees both in Europe and throughout the world. This is the third year in a row LDS Charities has partnered with the U.N. organization to fight hunger. Last year, the Church joined in the effort to alleviate hunger for those suffering from the drought in Ethiopia. In 2014, relief was provided to feed those affected by the Ebola crisis. An estimated 795 million hungry people are in the world today, and about one out of every nine people goes without food each day. Malnutrition affects one in two people on the planet. WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. They deliver food assistance in emergencies and also work with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, on average, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries. WFP is committed to creating a world with Zero Hunger by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by world leaders last September.