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Great work Rick and team.

Going to Guatamala and Honduras next week with CARE and hope we can talk this weekend knowing of your leadership there

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 16, 2014, at 1:37 AM, "Rick Leach" <RLeach@wfpusa.org<mailto:RLeach@wfpusa.org>> wrote:

Dear Members of the Board,
Following and attached is an Update that highlights some key activities during the first quarter of the year:


First Quarter Revenue

· We generated over $3.3 million in the first quarter of the year – more than double the revenue generated in the first quarter of last year.

· Expenses were under budget by more than 10%.


US Government funding for Global Hunger Programs

· We have been working within Congress to secure robust funding for FY15 for USG global hunger programs. Even if we do not secure the increases set forth in the chart below (which is based on maintaining the US commitment to 30% of global need), we are confident that we will maintain the funding levels appropriated in FY14 (which are above the levels sought by the Obama administration). We also expect to secure funds in the new Local and Regional Procurement Program (likely $25-50 million). This Program was established in the Farm Bill and is intended to supplement resources provided for school feeding through the McGovern-Dole Program (we developed and campaigned for inclusion of this Program within the Farm Bill). Of the total funds appropriated by Congress, WFP receives approximately $1.5 billion annually.


Account
($ in 1,000)

FY 13
Enacted

FY 14
Enacted

FY 15
President’s Request

FY 15
WFP USA Request

Title II Food for Peace

$ 1,361,000

$ 1,466,000

$ 1,400,000

$ 1,840,000

McGovern Dole Food for Education

$ 174,744

$ 185,126

$ 185,126

$ 209,500

Local and Regional Procurement*

N/A

N/A

$ 0

$ 80,000

International Disaster Assistance

$ 1,550,000

$ 1,800,000

$ 1,300,000

$ 2,100,000

*As noted, the Local and Regional Procurement Program was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. Because passage of the Farm Bill occurred well into the FY 15 budget process, the administration did not request funding for this Program.


· In addition to directly engaging the appropriations subcommittees, the WFP USA policy team has worked with over 30 House Members and 20 Senators to develop their requests to the appropriations subcommittees for our suggested funding levels. We also submitted public testimony on the FY15 budget to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

· Last week, Muhannad Hadi, the WFP official overseeing the Syria operation, briefed the appropriations subcommittees on the status of humanitarian conditions in the region. It provided an opportunity to stress the need for the requested funding levels.

The Link between Food Security and National Security

· The link between global hunger and instability has been referenced by policy makers and included in various studies. Based on existing research, we are developing a White Paper to highlight the link between global hunger, instability and US national security. Drawing attention to the link between global hunger and US national security can broaden our constituency and bolster the case for funding of USG hunger programs.

· Sandy and I co-hosted a dinner to discuss this link between food security and U.S. national security with Members of Congress, senior White House and State Department officials, and policy experts. Hunter and Dan participated in the discussion. All participants expressed support for the initiative.

· We have begun exploring a potential partnership with the Aspen Institute to develop and publicly disseminate the White Paper.


Hunter and Rick at SXSW in Austin, TX

· Hunter and I attended SXSW Interactive, the world’s largest digital and tech industry conference. It provided an opportunity to meet with business leaders and tech experts to highlight the work of WFP and WFP USA.

· As part of the official proceedings, WFP USA partnered with Participant media in sponsoring a series of panels. Our “Tech for Social Good” panel included a representative from MasterCard who highlighted their work with WFP in providing Syrian refugees with access to local markets through use of a MasterCard-like product (“digital food aid”). We began discussions with MasterCard and Google officials about ways to expand their collaboration with WFP/ WFP USA.


Shaping Food Security Policy

· WFP USA continued to work with USAID in developing the agency’s new ten year nutrition strategy, expected to be publicly released in May or June of this year. The latest USAID consultation focused on technical issues essential to ensuring the strategy is translated into real programs and action in the field.

· We continue to work with the Aspen Institute in conjunction with my participation on their Food Security Strategy Group.

· We also continue to partner with George Washington University on their “Planet Forward” Initiative (we helped plan and launch the initiative last year). The initiative provides an opportunity to engage students across the country in support of our goals.
“Live Below the Line”

· Hunter is once again leading our effort in “living below the line” (eating on less than $1.50 per day for 5 days) to increase awareness and generate funds to alleviate hunger. The “Live Below the Line” campaign runs from April 28-May 2.

· Hunter will appear on Morning Joe (on MSNBC) this Friday morning to discuss the initiative.
Other Activities

· International Paper. WFP USA participated in IP’s “Decade of Dedication” event in Memphis to celebrate 10 years of the company’s commitment to Coins4Kids (an employee engagement program), which supports school meals programs in Kenya. Since 2004, over $9 million has been donated by IP to WFP USA through the Coins4Kids program.

· Philippines Country Director in DC. WFP’s Philippines Country Director will visit Washington in May to participate in a series of events including meetings with key donors, administration officials, congressional staff and board members.

· Milken Institute. I am speaking on a panel at the upcoming Milken Global Conference in Los Angeles at the end of the month. The conference brings together business leaders, investors and innovators and will provide an opportunity to connect with prospective donors/supporters.

· Central African Republic. In support of our campaign for the Central African Republic, we developed/distributed the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmOm08godu0&list=UUJOjpb19OmhMHrfYQGmJ3TQ
And thank you:

· Randy for hosting a meeting with Hormel concerning nutrition programs in Guatemala.

· Jonathan for facilitating a meeting with the YUM! Government Affairs team which resulted in a joint meeting with the Kentucky congressional delegation.

· Larry for participating in the upcoming Center for Strategic and International Studies panel discussion with the WFP Philippines Country Director to highlight the typhoon response and UPS’ partnership with WFP.

· Matt for hosting a meeting at Edelman offices with WFP USA/WFP staff to discuss potential corporate partnerships.


Thank you very much for your continued commitment and support – it truly makes a difference in the lives of millions throughout the world.

All the Best,
Rick


Richard Leach
President & CEO

World Food Program USA
1725 Eye Street NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20006
T 202.530.1694
F 202.530.1698
rleach@wfpusa.org<mailto:jcorum@wfpusa.org>

<WFP USA - Board Update - April 2014.docx