An agreement was signed on Thursday between the United Nations and the United States Peace Corps marking their mutual allegiance in the battle against world hunger. The plan -- increase food security in 76 countries where more than 8,600 U.S. volunteers work.
Signed by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP), this ensures that all three organizations have access to the resources necessary to help the world's poor and hungry. Highlighted by WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran, "...we all work a hand up, not just a hand out, to improve their own ability to produce and access food for their families and communities." Like the old saying goes, "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish you, feed him for a lifetime."
The Peace Corps has worked with FAO and WFP in nearly 40 countries promoting food security through citizen participation, education, and capacity building. Some of the techniques and practices shared between Peace Corps volunteers, FAO, and WFP include: training on sustainable gardening and organic farming, providing education on nutrition and hygiene for children, proper food storage and handling, and a workshop on how to grow produce. This critical issue of food security must be treated at the source, the poor and the vulnerable.
"FAO and the Peace Corps have a long history of working together in rural communities throughout the world. This agreement signals a renewed, enhanced commitment to harnessing the respective strengths and expertise of our three organizations to tackle the root causes of hunger and ensure sustainable food security and economic development."
-Jacques Diouf, FAO Director-General
-Georisa Chang
SOURCE: UN News
Posts
