By Tim Saunders on
Viewers of Oprah Winfrey's new show, Oprah’s Big Give, on Sunday night got a special surprise when Drew Barrymore announced she is donating $1 million to the United Nations World Food Program.
The 33-year-old actress has been an Ambassador Against Hunger for the organization since last year, and said that this is by far the biggest donation she has ever made, but “nothing has ever felt this good.”
“I have seen with my own eyes what a difference a simple cup of nutritious porridge can make in a child’s life,” said Barrymore. “It helps them learn, stay healthy, and sets them on track for a bright future. I urge everyone – everywhere – to help WFP ‘Fill the Cup’ for hungry children, and make hunger history.”
The donation kicks off the World Food Program’s $3 billion “Fill The Cup” campaign that aims to feed 59 million hungry school children in over 80 developing countries for a year. The agency hopes the U.S. will be able to donate enough money to feed 10 million of those children.
“We have a dream … to feed another 10 million hungry school children in Africa by Thanksgiving Day,” said World Food Program Executive Director Josette Sheeran. “Just $50 fills a child’s cup for a year, and we call on everyone to click on www.wfp.org and make a donation.”
The Rome-based agency said it needs $500 million more than anticipated this year due to a rise in food and energy prices. A spokesperson for the agency said that last year the organization provided more than 20 million school children with a daily cup of porridge, rice, or beans and also gave many girls a monthly ration to take home to their families. Up to 70 percent of its food used for school meals is bought from farmers in developing countries.
“I’m able to make this incredible donation — this has changed my life,” said Barrymore. “But I encourage everyone to give.”
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