Saudi Arabia to support poor and vulnerable Afghans

The contribution is part of a $500m donation from Saudi Arabia in response to WFP's global appeal to cover the rising cost of food and fuel.

The donation will be used to purchase 7,970 metric tons of wheat and oil - enough to feed around 80,000 people each month until the harvest next year.

A poor harvest, drought, high food prices and the on-going security situation have all had a severe impact on the basic nutritional needs of millions of Afghans, especially women and children.

"The generous and sustained help of Saudi Arabia at a critical time will help many people in rural areas who would otherwise be desperate," said Rikki Malik Lali, WFP officer in charge in Afghanistan.

Since 2003, the Saudi government has contributed over 12,700 metric tons of food valued at $13.1m to WFP operations in Afghanistan.

"Thanks to this donation we will continue our relief food assistance to those most in need and will enable poor rural people to become more self-reliant," said Malik Lali.

Afghanistan is one of WFP's largest operations and requires and additional $25m in coming six months to provide 25,000 metric tons of food.