Agency seeks $3 billion to feed hungry

LONDON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The U.N. World Food Program says it needs an immediate donation of $3 billion to avoid cutting its services around the world.

With the number of hungry people in the world now exceeding 1 billion for the first time, the agency said in a news release Wednesday, "There are more hungry people in the world today than we have seen in living memory."

The WFP said the problem is compounded by the fact that many rich countries have had to cut back on funding because of the global financial crisis.

WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said the agency needs $6.7 billion to feed 108 million people in 74 countries this year, but it has only $2.6 billion.

"We urgently need an additional $3 billion to meet those needs," Sheeran said.

"We are making an urgent plea to the world that as the green shoots of economic recovery are appearing, we do not forget those who are most in need and who have been hit hardest by this crisis."