What’s different this time?

When I talk about the current hunger crisis in the Sahel region of Africa, I’m often asked the following question: “What’s different this time?”

Regrettably, for far too many people, a hunger crisis in Africa is not news. But I think it should be making headlines, and it’s not all bad news.

In Niger, where I work, we are seeing strong government leadership to address the crisis, using early warning systems and investing in development. We aren’t just hoping the rains will come and people will have enough to eat, we’ve taken timely action, and we’re building for the future with irrigation systems and dams.

Where we’ve intervened, we’re seeing results. But there are still many places we haven’t gotten to yet, and this is why we need your help.

Recognizing the potential our programs have to stop the hunger cycle, our long-time partner the Dutch National Postcode Lottery has promised to match any donation made to the Sahel through June 15th! Will you take this opportunity to double your impact and feed twice as many people in the Sahel?

www.wfp.org/sahel

This incredible opportunity comes at a critical time in this emergency. As we move into the lean season, we’re hoping to reach more women and children with nutritious food for the next 100 days. Here are some examples of what your donation can do today:

• A donation of $125, doubled to become $250, will feed 5 women for 100 days.
• A donation of $200, doubled to become $400, will provide food for 4 women and 4 children.
• A donation of $350, doubled to become $700, will feed 14 young children for the next 100 days.

The people we are helping here are no different than you or me. Being a mother myself, I recognize the universal hope that all mothers have for their children. They want them to be safe, to have enough to eat and to have the opportunity for a better future.

With your support, we can feed the hope of more mothers across the Sahel. And if you donate by June 15th, your donation will go twice as far. Your kind gift will truly make a difference here.

Thank you for giving as generously as possible.

Sincerely,

Denise Brown
Country Director, Niger
World Food Programme