Saudi Arabia gives 500 million dollars to world food appeal

"The World Food Programme has met its extraordinary call for 755 million dollars to compensate for the increased costs of food and fuel with a 500 million dollar donation from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said a statement.

The WFP, which operates in 78 countries and helps feed an estimated 73 million people, launched the 755 million dollar emergency appeal in March. It said 31 countries had given 460 million dollars before the Saudi donation came
in on Thursday.

The agency said "high food prices represent the biggest challenge that WFP has faced in its 45-year history with about 130 million being pushed into hunger."

WFP executive director Josette Sheeran said the money would help offset food and fuel costs that have risen dramatically over the past year and secure much-needed food programmes in Africa and other parts of the world.

"The Saudi donation will keep many people from dying, others from slipping into malnutrition and disease, and will even help to stave off civil unrest," Sheeran was quoted by AFP as saying.

The agency said ...