an alphabet for people

A-Z
who love to learn and
make a difference!

WFP
 The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s
largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in
emergencies and building a better future for people driven
into hunger by conflict and the impact of climate change.
When you play Freerice, every question you answer
correctly raises 10 grains of rice for WFP!

assistance

Aa
In 2022, the World Food Programme aimed to support 160 million people in 123
countries through life-saving food assistance. Food assistance doesn’t only
mean providing staples like rice and wheat, but also implementing longer-term
solutions that empower people to help themselves. We believe that everyone
should have a choice about what food they receive, so our assistance is often
provided through cash-vouchers which people can use to buy local, seasonal
products in their own communities — creating a win-win situation.

agriculture
Agriculture is an integral part of a healthy food system. As the global population
continues to grow, and climate change continues to impact our food systems,
supporting sustainable agricultural practices is more important than ever.
From promoting crop diversification and empowering smallholder farmers, to
creating irrigation schemes and building local greenhouses, WFP supports
communities to manage natural resources sustainably.

advocates
Definition: A person that publicly supports a cause.
Playing Freerice sends an important message: community matters, and only by
coming together can we help solve global problems like food insecurity and
poverty. By using your knowledge to do good, you’re advocating for positive
change and supporting our mission to achieve a world with Zero Hunger.
Whether you are playing Freerice at school or learning about the UN’s
Sustainable Development Goals, you are paving the path for brighter futures
by helping to provide nutritious meals.

biodiversity

Bb Definition: Biodiversity refers to the full and diverse variety of life on Earth.
All animals, plants, and microorganisms have their purpose. From a colony of
ants to a forest of trees in your own back yard, every living being works
together to help keep our beautiful planet alive. Biodiversity sustains our food
systems and supports our wellbeing by enriching our lives through nutritious
food, providing clean air for us to breathe, and protecting us against climate
shocks. Every bit of life contributes to our individual and global health.
 changing lives

Cc
The World Food Programme doesn't only provide essential food relief during
times of emergency. We also work to change lives around the world. How do
we do this? By promoting gender equality in schools, providing nutrition
education to new moms, and creating safety nets to reduce the impacts of
natural disasters for at-risk communities. Education, skills training and financial
investments all help ensure that communities have longer-term access to food.

climate change
Definition: Climate change is a change in the average temperature and
weather conditions over a long period of time.
As our world changes, people are increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks
that will impact their access to nutritious food. That’s why climate action is so
important. Let’s reduce our use of plastic, educate ourselves about the UN’s
Sustainable Development Goals, contact our government representatives and
advocate for sustainable solutions. We can all anticipate, restore, protect, and
energize our world alongside the World Food Programme.

Did you know that almost 60% of the world’s 828 million hungry people live in
areas affected by armed violence? Conflict is the single biggest driver of food
insecurity, destroying food systems, disrupting agriculture infrastructure, an
forcing people from their homes. At WFP, we know food is the pathway to
peace. Without peace we cannot end hunger — and where there is hunger, we
will never have a peaceful world.

In 2020, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat
hunger, promote peace in conflict-affected areas, and prevent the use of
hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.

disaster relief

Dd
For over 50 years, WFP has provided emergency food assistance to people
living through natural and manmade disasters, from unexpected climate
shocks to longstanding wars. Each day, 5,600 trucks, 100 aircraft and 30 ships
are on the move to deliver vital food and other assistance to those who need it
most. No matter how difficult the mission, WFP is there to provide disaster relief
for people who have lost their homes, families, or livelihoods.

drought
When abnormally low rainfall leads to prolonged periods of water shortages
and dry conditions, drought begins. Droughts threaten the livelihoods of
people around the world. Where there is drought, there are food shortages. WFP
works in these areas to provide nutritious food, clean water and restore
degraded land for people and the planet.
 disabilities
People with disabilities are often left more vulnerable when disaster strikes,
and food is scarce. WFP recognizes the importance of supporting and
empowering individuals with unique needs that live in unstable conditions.
Everyone deserves a bright future and a full plate, so we work to provide equal
access to resources and opportunities for every community where we work.

development
Brick by brick. Meal by meal. The pursuit of a better world begins with the
conviction that no one should go hungry in a world of plenty. The World Food
Programme works to uplift millions around the world through nutritious food,
access to work and education. Whether it’s through sustainable development or
economic development, we work to lay the foundations for a better tomorrow.

donations
We can’t do this without you. WFP is a 100% voluntarily funded organization:
our funding comes from governments, corporations, and individuals like you.
Whether you are playing Freerice or making monthly donations, you are
supporting WFP’s life-saving missions around the world and making a
difference in the lives of 160 million people around the world. Thank you!

emergency

Ee
Emergencies that threaten lives and livelihoods require immediate
attention. Sometimes these events are so exceptional and devastating that
governments do not have the necessary resources to cope with the calamity.
Whether human beings are displaced, or communities are struggling, WFP
strives to make sure their basic needs are met and that their futures are
safeguarded.

environment
Did you know that 24% of the world’s productive lands are degraded, and that
42% of the world’s poor depend on degraded land for nutrition and income? This
means that environmental conditions directly impact our ability to feed
ourselves and our communities. The health and safety of our environment is
incredibly important: it is our duty to care for our global home. WFP is actively
working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recycling waste, and growing
plants without water.

empowerment
Definition: The process of becoming stronger and claiming your human rights.
When WFP provides food assistance and invests in communities, we are
supporting the intrinsic dignity of human life. To empower means to meet
basic needs and provide different pathways of growth, ensuring opportunities
are available for everyone. Through Freerice, we’re championing education,
nutrition, and community. What makes you feel empowered?
 famine

Ff
49 million people in 49 countries are on the brink of famine, but famine isn’t
inevitable. With proper planning and coordination, famine can be prevented,
and millions of lives can be saved. Conflict and climate shocks are the biggest
causes of famine, and both can be challenged by our worldwide community.
Let’s stand up, speak out and work together to promote peace, prosperity,
and lasting positive change.

food systems
Food systems are responsible for the production, transformation, and supply
of food around the world. Without a productive system that ensures equal
access to nutritious food, communities suffer. WFP has helped ensure the
smooth functioning of our global food system for decades through education,
food distribution, school meals and more.

farmers
The World Food Programme helps connect smallholder farmers to local markets
in over 40 countries. Why? Without farmers and their expertise, our agricultural
economies and food systems would not exist. Farmers feed their families and
their communities. Unfortunately, smallholder farmers often live in poverty
themselves. WFP is dedicated to raising their incomes and improving their
livelihoods so that sustainable food systems can flourish. When farmers thrive,
we do too.

gender equality

Gg
Our global food systems aren’t sustainable without considering gender equality
and women’s empowerment. Saving and changing lives means that
everyone has equal opportunities, equal access to resources, and an equal
voice in decision-making. That includes ensuring all people are safe from
harm, violence and discrimination. Gender equality is a must for a world with
Zero Hunger where all women, men, girls and boys can exercise their human
rights, including the right to adequate food.

goodwill ambassadors
The World Food Programme is proud to partner with leaders who share a
passion for Zero Hunger. Kate Hudson, The Weeknd, Michael Kors and Andrew
Zimmern are just some of our Goodwill Ambassadors who share a commitment
to bettering the lives of hungry and vulnerable people around the world.
Volunteers and supporters are important people in our community. We
cannot thank them enough!
 hunger

Hh The world produces enough food to feed 10 billion people, yet many go
hungry every single day. Every 10 seconds, a child dies from malnutrition.
Today, 49 million people are on the brink of famine. From reducing our food
waste, to ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone, we have a lot of work
to do. At WFP, we believe that food is a human right and that everyone
deserves to live in a #ZeroHunger world. Join us to work together to fill
everyone’s plates.

health
Did you know that nutrition has the power to break the cycle of poverty? When
your health is at risk, your entire livelihood is at risk. Your mental and physical
health are directly tied to good nutrition and adequate food. WFP recognizes
how important health is in our daily lives. Food assistance is not just about
emergency response but sustaining and strengthening the body and mind.

innovation

Ii Ideas make the world go round, and WFP values innovation and progressive
problem-solving when addressing worldwide hunger. From new technologies to
business models, we are always developing innovative tools and looking for new
ways to end hunger. What are some ideas you can think of to improve our
world?

indigenous people
There are 370 million people living in 90 countries who identify as indigenous.
Unfortunately, indigenous people are disproportionality affected by poverty and
hunger, making them vulnerable to malnutrition and lack of opportunity. WFP
works with indigenous communities in countries like Bolivia and Colombia in
order to empower and feed communities. Indigenous people offer hundreds of
years of knowledge of the environment and its natural food systems, based
on the principles of collectivism and reciprocity. Forming intercultural
partnerships can benefit everyone. We have much to learn.

justice

Jj Food security and justice go hand in hand. The right to adequate, nutritious
food is fundamental to live a prosperous, healthy life and secure a stable
future. Conflict, weak institutions, and unequal food systems often prevent
communities and individuals from securing food, which is why WFP works with
countries around the world to protect the right to food and life.
 knowledge

Kk Knowledge is at the core of the World Food Programme’s operations. Achieving

Zero Hunger requires monitoring, evaluation, and learning to implement the
policies that meet the needs of vulnerable communities around the world.
Measuring performance and demonstrating results are important parts of
humanitarian response initiatives. WFP is constantly learning from the people
we assist and the missions we carry out.

logistics

Ll
Did you know WFP has 5,600 trucks, 100 aircraft and 30 ships on the go each
day? Delivering food assistance and saving lives can be very challenging in
certain terrains and environments. Many communities that WFP assists live in
areas that lack infrastructure and can be difficult to reach. Understanding local
environments, navigating bureaucracy, and finding solutions to difficult
problems are daily obstacles that WFP overcomes. Delivering food assistance
isn’t always easy, but we are dedicated to saving lives and changing lives.

LGBTQIA+
Human rights and equality are at the heart of food security and Zero Hunger.
Inclusion is an essential part of the World Food Programme's work. We
believe everyone deserves a full plate and the recognition of their value in
society – including all women, men, girls and boys, whether they are straight,
gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex. Not only do we assist LGBTQIA+
individuals, but we also work with them because everyone has the right to.
economic freedom and opportunity.

local economy
Small businesses are incredibly important to communities and their food
systems, although local supply chains in developing countries are often
underserved and inefficient. This leads to disruptions in food systems and
unsustainable markets. WFP contracts many small businesses and works with
in-country partners to strengthen local economies and provide opportunities
for smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs and more. Community resilience and
economic development are part of dynamic solutions to end hunger and
malnutrition.

markets

Mm
The World Food Programme invests more than $2 billion in the locations where
our operations are carried out. We buy commodities and services in order to
strengthen development and resilience to economic shocks. Through the
engagement of local supply chains and cash transfers, WFP works with farmers
and small businesses to develop markets to address food insecurity and
malnutrition. We also monitor food price data in 1,535 markets and learn how
local economies function through consistent market analysis. We never stop
learning and supporting communities around the world.
 malnutrition
Definition: A lack of sufficient nutrients in the body that can lead to severe
medical issues. Malnutrition threatens our health and can even stunt growth in
children. It can make people tired, weak and unable to complete daily tasks.
Food prevents hunger, but it also strengthens our bodies and minds. Food
gives us superpowers and feeds our futures through nutrients and energy. WFP
knows it is important to provide the right nutrition at the right time, so we help
feed 15 million schoolchildren each year, and 5 million pregnant and nursing
women, as part of our lifesaving work.

nutrition

Nn The World Food Programme not only provides food, but nutritious meals to help
power our bodies and minds. Nutrition is key for the empowerment of individuals
and their communities. Without nourishment from food, we cannot thrive. WFP
utilizes a range of specialized foods that strengthen those receiving our
assistance. Fortified Blended Foods, Ready-To-Use Foods, and High Energy
Biscuits are some of the healthy foods we distribute around the world.
Undernutrition continues to impact more than 150 million children worldwide,
and we want to change that. Let’s keep feeding the future.

nobel peace prize

The World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its
efforts to combat hunger and promote peace through food. Peace and
conflict go hand in hand, and addressing hunger and malnutrition are
important steps towards a achieving a more peaceful world. WFP knows that
the vicious cycles of violence and food instability are interlinked. We use food to
build peace before, during, and after conflict. One of the best things we can do
for our fellow humans is to give the hungry a voice, and to serve areas
affected by violence and conflict.

operations

Oo
Emergency response requires a lot of heart and a lot of preparedness, and it
takes a big team of talented and passionate individuals to work all around the
world. Through partnerships, capacity building and cluster operations, WFP can
assist people everywhere. We operate with determination and wheels on the
ground.
.

organization
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian
organization. We are committed to delivering food assistance in emergencies
and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Our
organization is aligned with the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), and we continue to revamp our Strategic Plan every four years.
We must stay on our toes, operating under the direction of our Executive Director
and specialized teams. An organization of this size requires a lot of passion and
a lot of help from our staff, partners, communities and volunteers around the
world.
 peace

Pp
Food is used as a weapon of war. Peace is strongly linked with food because
where there is conflict, there is hunger. And where there is hunger, there is
conflict. Peace cannot be achieved without equitable food systems and the
elimination of hunger around the world. Conflicts in countries like Ukraine and
Afghanistan have very real impacts on food systems and communal health.
60% of the world’s hungry live in areas affected by conflict. WFP recognizes that
pursuing peace means achieving Zero Hunger.

prices
Conflict directly impacts the cost of food. As war rages in Ukraine, food prices
are going up locally and around the world. Higher food prices means families
are forced to eat less, cut meals, and go into to debt in order to feed themselves.
WFP addresses these rising prices with food rations, vouchers, and
agricultural resilience programmes that keep communities healthy and hopeful.
As prices rise, we need to adapt and make sure the most vulnerable have
access to nutritious food..

partnerships
Technical assistance, the transfer of knowledge, and financial contributions help
WFP carry out its life-saving operations around the world. Strategic partnerships
in the private and public sectors help us and the larger United Nations make our
goals a reality. Achieving Zero Hunger is only possible if all of us work
together. Partnering with WFP means thinking about the future.

quality assurance

Qq The World Food Programme is dedicated to creating positive change and

saving the lives of vulnerable people all over the world. This means that we need
to deliver quality assistance and make sure that our work is making a
valuable impact. We are consistently monitoring our operations and
evaluating how we can improve our programmes. From planning to delivery,
our staff around the world is committed to excellence and serving our global
community.

resilience

Rr
80% of the world's food insecure people live in countries that are prone to
natural shocks. When ecosystems are prone to degradation, local communities
become vulnerable to malnutrition and hunger. Building resilience is key to
weathering natural disasters, climate change, and conflicts. That’s why WFP
develops and implements conceptual frameworks for strengthening food
security and nutrition. WFP supports governments, works with partners, and
 promotes innovation in communities around the world. As the world changes,
our food systems should too.

refugees
Climate change and conflict continue to displace millions of people around
the world, forcing families to leave their homes to find safety. In the process,
these refugees are left vulnerable to malnutrition and hunger. WFP is dedicated
to assisting vulnerable people with daily meals in refugee camps, schools and
community shelters. We work with organizations like the UN Refugee Agency
(UNHCR) to provide nutritious and culturally acceptable food in the most
vulnerable environments. We believe that everyone deserves a full plate.

school feeding

Ss
73 million vulnerable primary school aged children are in need of school meals.
Learning requires a nutritious diet and access to filling meals. Without
adequate food, a young person’s education suffers. Energy and health are
important to maintain focus. Unfortunately, many families are forced to choose
between their finances and sending their children to school. When children face
malnutrition, their future is hindered, too. For six decades, WFP has worked in more
than 100 countries to set up school feeding programmes to ensure that all
children have access to adequate nutrition through school meals.

sustainability
Sustainability is not only environmental: it is also social and economic.
Sustainability is a balance that meets the needs of the present without
threatening the future. Many important resources are finite and should be used
responsibly with long-term consequences in mind. WFP is dedicated to
sustainable practices in its own operations and supports the United Nation’s
Sustainable Development Goals. WFP believes that all of us can make a
difference together.

sustainable development goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted in 2015. The goals are
intended to guide global policies to achieve peace and prosperity for all
people, and “shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path” by the year
2030. WFP’s work focuses on several the SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Ending
Poverty, Good Health and Well-Being, and Quality Education. Sustainable
development is at the core of what we do.

saving lives
Up to 828 million people around the world are chronically hungry, with 345
million acutely food insecure. Climate, cost, conflict, and Covid-19 are
directly threatening the lives of communities everywhere. WFP’s assistance
 is not solely reactionary in emergencies, but preventative. Whether it’s a school
feeding programme or an innovative farming method, WFP shares its expertise
with communities in order to help build resilience. Every life matters to us.

supply chain
Our supply chain is the backbone of the World Food Programme’s life-saving
missions. These diverse functions and plans enable our staff to carry out our
operations around the world. In 2020, over US$2.6 billion food, goods and services
were purchased and distributed thanks to our supply chain. These numbers are
supported by our trucks, planes, ships, helicopters and incredible teams that
reach vulnerable communities in all corners of the world. Supply chain
operations depend on planning, sourcing, and delivering life-saving assistance.
We take our work seriously.

technology

Tt
Technological innovation is integral to WFP’s life-saving missions. From
monitoring levels of food security, developing digital finance tools, creating
hydroponic solutions and interpreting powerful data, our operations are based
on technology and numbers. As the world changes and technology presents
opportunities, WFP is changing too. Technology is important to the expansion of
our work and nourishment for the most vulnerable people. Freerice is a part of
that change! You can donate to WFP’s operations from your phones and
computers.

teachers
Education is central to the World Food Programme’s work and teachers are
essential members of communities around the world. Our school feeding
programs are investments in the livelihoods and talents of young people, and
we rely on the dedication and passion of teachers to extend their knowledge to
build bright futures for students. WFP's Freerice is central to our goals of educating
minds and filling plates. Freerice is a resource for teachers everywhere that wish
to include the United Nation’s 17 SDGs and an awareness of our worldwide
community in their curriculums. We can’t achieve Zero Hunger without the
work of educators around the world. We extend all of our gratitude to them.

united nations

Uu
Founded in 1945, the United Nations (UN) is an international organization where
the world's nations can come together to discuss common problems and find
shared solutions. It has 193 Member States and provides a unique opportunity
for countries around the world to collaborate and help build a better world.

The World Food Programme is one of the many specialized agencies that carry
out functions on behalf of the UN. We work closely with the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) because we believe that in a world where there’s enough food to feed
everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past.
 volunteers

Vv
The World Food Programme values our community of advocates and hunger
heroes who support our operations around the world. Volunteers contribute
their passions and expertise to WFP’s life-saving missions, making a positive
impact in communities around the world. WFP's Freerice works with an amazing
network of volunteers that contribute categories to the game, and answer
questions to raise rice grains. We are forever thankful for the people that
contribute their knowledge to our mission to fill plates. We are all in this together.

vouchers
Feeding people around the world requires a lot of different approaches. One
of the ways the World Food Programme delivers the right food at the right time
is through the use of cash vouchers. Over the past five years, WFP’s use of
vouchers has greatly expanded. In locations where markets are available but
food is too expensive, WFP provides these vouchers to families. People are able
to visit their markets and purchase what they need. These cash vouchers give
back to their local economies and nourish communities.

water

Ww
Just like food, water provides essential sustenance for our bodies and minds.
And we also need water to grow crops and give life to our communities. As the
climate changes and drought and environmental degradation become
increasingly serious, water is harder to find in certain areas of the world. WFP
is dedicated to hydrating communities and providing water sources in the
areas that need them most. Whether it’s the building of a water reservoir or the
use of hydroponics in agriculture, WFP is innovating and implementing solutions
for communities that lack the necessary water for health and success.

world
The World Food Programme works in 123 countries and territories, providing
life-saving and life-changing assistance. Why? People and the world they
inhabit matter to us. We believe in the capacity to change and achieve
Zero Hunger because we believe that positive things happen when we all
work together. As we expand our operations and face the challenges of global
hunger and malnutrition, we remember just how much the world means to us.
The World Food Programme and Freerice work for a better tomorrow, spreading
knowledge and spreading love and kindness in our worldwide community.

experience

Xx
Since the World Food Programme was established in 1961, we continue to learn
and grow every day. In the past 60 years we have launched school feeding
programmes, intervened in countless emergencies and have continued to work
with NGOs and governments around the world. We have extensive experience
 in supply chain, fundraising, working with local organizations, and resilience
training. We are among the first to respond in disasters and we continue
to invest in the communities we assist. And we won’t stop working until we
achieve Zero Hunger. .

youth

Yy
Young people are important members of our WFP Freerice community. Without
the passion, knowledge, and perspective of youth in our communities, we
wouldn’t keep evolving. The World Food Programme and Freerice are
committed to listening to the voices of young people around the world. We not
only lead school feeding programmes, but we rely on the participation of youth
in our trivia game and social media campaigns. Young people are active
advocates, learners, and doers. Thank you for joining us!

zero hunger

Zz
Imagine a world where a child doesn’t have to skip school to put food on the
table of their family. Imagine a world where a mother doesn’t have to give up a
meal to feed her children. Imagine a world where hunger and malnutrition don’t
exist; where all people are powered by healthy foods that help them pursue
their dreams. We want to see Zero Hunger in our lifetimes and we won’t stop
working until we achieve it.