Accra – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a £500,000 (US$ 628,000 contribution from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to support ongoing policy reform and strengthen the viability of Ghana’s fortification industry.
With this funding, WFP will help improve the quality of school meals for 55,348 vulnerable children in 59 schools across both the North and Transition Zones of Ghana, with special focus on drought-affected areas. WFP will also support market development activities such as strengthening the capacity of rice millers to stimulate investments in food fortification in Ghana.
WFP welcomes this support from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), as it is essential in addressing inequality and provides a social safety net for the most vulnerable people in underserved communities. “School meals are an incentive for children to stay in school, support better academic performance and pave the way for brighter futures, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty.” said WFP Deputy Country Director in Ghana, Anna Mukiibi-Bunnya
This funding also empowers market development initiatives, spurring vital investments in the demand and supply of fortified local rice in Ghana —strengthening both the health of children and Ghana’s economic growth.
“The UK is committed to supporting global efforts to achieve sustainable food security and improve nutrition worldwide” said Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa, during his recent visit in Ghana. “This announcement demonstrates the UK’s ongoing dedication to working with Ghana to tackle the challenges we face from climate change and build a healthier, more food-secure future for all.”
In Ghana, WFP programmes help highly vulnerable people to access lifesaving food and nutrition through cash transfers. WFP’s school also contribute to boosting children’s nutrition for them to get the best possible start to life.
UK remains one of the most reliable WFP partners in Ghana helping support crisis-affected families across the country to fight hunger, improve nutrition and rebuild their lives.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
