Cindy McCain, the executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), visited Salt Lake City on January 30 to witness the humanitarian work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their partnership has been strong since 2014, aiming to combat hunger across the globe.
During her visit, McCain expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration. She highlighted that the WFP and the Church have supported millions facing hunger in 49 countries over the last twelve years. She remarked, “The Church’s generosity has not only saved lives; it has also helped families build the skills and resilience needed to create hope and opportunity.”
The visit included a tour of Welfare Square and the Bishops’ Central Storehouse. Accompanying McCain were Barron Segar, president of World Food Program USA, and Lena Savelli, the regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Segar emphasized the significant impact of their joint efforts, stating that around six million lives have benefited from this partnership.
Recent data from the WFP shows that 318 million people globally are facing crisis levels of hunger. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of the WFP’s work and highlights the critical need for collaborations like this one.
The Church’s welfare services focus on immediate relief alongside long-term solutions. Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, noted that their partnership is crucial for offering both emergency food assistance and programs to support long-term self-reliance. “Our work with the WFP enables people to move forward with confidence,” he said.
The collaboration reflects a shared mission to uplift vulnerable communities. Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson commented on the deep impact of hunger on families, expressing gratitude for the WFP’s global relief efforts. “We are inspired by their dedication to strengthening families and communities,” she stated.
Historically, the Church and WFP’s partnership has grown in response to increasing global challenges. On February 2024, they celebrated ten years of collaboration with a service project that involved over 150 young single adults from the Salt Lake City area. They packaged 900 boxes of food, highlighting community involvement in supporting those in need.
A notable recent achievement was the Church’s $8 million grant for the WFP’s homegrown school meals program in Haiti, ensuring that children in vulnerable areas receive essential nutrition. This initiative, along with a $32 million grant in September 2022, illustrates the Church’s ongoing commitment to tackling food insecurity worldwide.
Their partnership stands as a beacon of hope in a world where many struggle with hunger and hardship. By working together, the WFP and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to create meaningful change that impacts lives across the globe.
Source link
Living Faith,Humanitarian Efforts,Service
