WFP mourns passing of Nelson Mandela

MANILA, Philippines – In unison with the people of South Africa and the world, the World Food Progamme (WFP) mourns the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Not only a champion against injustice, Mandela also played a big role as an ally in the fight against hunger, the WFP said in a statement released Friday, December 6.

Hunger, according to Mandela, is not just an issue of social injustice but one that touches on moral values.

The WFP quoted the former president’s words: “Hunger is an issue of social justice and not economics. Our economic approach to food and its distribution reflects our basic moral values. There are relatively poor countries where almost everyone is reasonably fed and richer ones where there is widespread malnutrition. The economic systems in these countries vary. Those who have succeeded have done so because they have made it a priority to end it. Hunger is a moral issue.”

Through the organization’s work in more than 80 countries and 13,000 staff around the world, Mandela has inspired programs that bring food and nutrition to the world’s most vulnerable.

For instance the South African government has contributed $20 million to WFP’s nutrition and feeding programs to support local smallholder farmers’ maize production. 40% of the yields are directed to feed the hungry in Lesotho.

With over 1.2 million supporters around the world WFP is able to honor the legacy of Mandela as it continues its mission to eradicate hunger and food insecurity where it persists. – Rappler.com