United States-Cargill donate one million dollars to feed hungry children.

UNITED STATES-Cargill Donates $1 Million To Feed Children, Nourish Communities

In response to food price inflation and the worldwide economic crisis, Cargill has made an unprecedented gift of $1 million to The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), an international anti-hunger organization that establishes and supports food banks around the world.

Cargill’s donation will be used to feed school children in Argentina, Colombia, India and South Africa, support existing partner networks and food banks, and scale up key network development projects that alleviate hunger and malnutrition..

"Hunger relief agencies are facing a growing demand for their services at a time when donations are shrinking," said Greg Page, chairman and chief executive officer. "In light of Cargill’s mission to nourish people, we are making this donation to help address immediate shortfalls of food for families in need."

In India, David Prendergast, GFN President and CEO, has witnessed first-hand the massive mid-day meal programs that serve millions of primary and junior high children every day. "These programs get wheat and rice from the government, but they struggle to buy the cooking oil, fruits, vegetables and spices that they need every day. The development of food banking in India will help provide these essential commodities at a much lower cost."

At present, GFN has members, partners and projects in 15 countries: Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the U.S. The $1 million donation from Cargill will increase emergency food distribution through existing food banks and food networks and will enhance GFN’s ability to develop new food banks where needed.

In 2008, Cargill supported community efforts in more than 50 countries with a record $44 million in contributions and $19 million in future commitments. Those efforts include partnerships with organizations, such as CARE and World Food Programme that focus on long-term solutions to health and nutrition, education and environmental issues.