World Food Program (WFP), United Nations humanitarian organization devoted to combating hunger and establishing food security globally. Relying solely on donations, the WFP provides emergency food assistance, often in conflict zones, as well as development aid to improve the availability of food and access to it. It partners with governments, international and national organizations, businesses, and others to secure funds, food, and other aid and to deliver that assistance. It also assists other providers of humanitarian aid with logistical, emergency telecommunications, and other support. Governed by a board of directors drawn from 36 nations, it is based in Rome, with 17,000 staff members worldwide. The WFP was begun in 1961, in an effort to use the United Nations system to deliver food aid, and became a permanent program in 1965. In 2020 it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its humanitarian efforts.
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