WFP Brings Food Aid for Hurricane Irma Victims in Cuba

World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley, bearer of the news, toured areas of Jaimanitas, one of the most damaged communities in Havana

World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley has announced the donation of 1.5 million dollars in food, and a food aid valued at 5.7 million dollars for those affected by Hurricane Irma.

After visiting Jaimanitas, one of the most damaged communities in the Cuban capital, the former governor of South Carolina said that the aid will meet the food needs of 664,000 affected people for four months.

Beasley recalled that the UN agency founded in 1961 has in Cuba about 1,606 metric tons of food and has provided 1.5 million of its emergency fund to buy more food.

The former governor added that if the Cuban government would have not worked with the people, the impact would have been worse.

I am here on behalf of the United Nations to observe, work and see with Cuban authorities how we can cooperate, said Beasley, who met with Cuban First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

A WFP statement said that the operation will begin with the free distribution of a portion of rice and beans in the prioritized areas.

The UN agency is mobilizing funds to complete the total amount planned and that distribution will prioritize children from boarding and semi-boarding primary schools and children under five, he said.

The aid will also benefit people over 65 of age, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.