BANGUI – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a donation of 250 metric tons of rice, valued at US$127,440 from the Republic of Brazil for its operation in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). This contribution was twinned with funding from Spain and Andorra - US$192,583 and US$10,316 respectively - to cover transport and distribution costs. This combined contribution means WFP can provide food assistance to the most vulnerable, including internally displaced persons, and families suffering from food insecurity.

“We are thankful to Brazil, Spain and Andorra for their generous support, which arrived at the most critical time of year, during the lean season, when food stocks are depleted and vulnerable communities urgently need our assistance. Thanks to these donors, WFP will help 41,000 people in dire need - in areas including Bouar, Nana-Mambere and Kaga-Bandoro,” said Christian Fortier, Officer-in-Charge of the WFP C.A.R. Country Office.

To mark the arrival of the rice, a handover ceremony was held on 15 June at WFP’s Logistics Base in Bangui. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, the Minister of Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action, the Ambassador of Brazil to the Central African Republic and Republic of Congo, the Spanish Consul in C.A.R., the FAO Representative in C.A.R., and WFP Representative in C.A.R.

About 1.27 million people in C.A.R have difficulties obtaining sufficient food. In 2015, WFP and its partners plan to assist 1.2 million of those in the worst affected areas. However, with only one third of its funding needs met, WFP is facing a severe funding shortfall and urgently requires US$90 million so that it can continue providing vital assistance to those in need until the end of the year.

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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 75 countries. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media, @WFP_WAfrica

For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org): Adel Sarkozi, WFP/Dakar, Tel. +221 776 375 964 Sayaka Sato, WFP/Bangui, Tel. + 236 72 18 76 97