What does the UN World Food Programme actually do?

The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the United Nations World Food Program for its efforts to combat hunger, foster conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war. It helps 97 million people in 88 countries a year. 

By awarding the Peace Prize worth $1.5 million to the WFP, the Nobel Committee highlighted the central role the UN programme can play in the global struggle against hunger and in continuing to bring peace to conflict zones through humanitarian aid. The WFP is involved with a range of projects, including the strengthening of food supply chains, improving hygiene in local markets and ensuring food stocks are resilient to local climate risks.

Two of its main current areas of work are Yemen and South Sudan, however the organisation is pivoting its focus to the effects the COVID-19 pandemic may have on world hunger. The organisation believes that COVID-19 could double the number of people below the poverty line. 

“Everything went into shutdown following nationwide and global restrictions following COVID-19. The WFP stepped up to the plate, we were able to connect communities. At one point, we were the biggest airline in the world when most if not all commercial airlines had ground to halt.” - WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri.