THOUSANDS of vulnerable families in Shurugwi, Midlands province, have received the much-needed food assistance as part of the World Food Programme (WFP)'s Lean Season Assistance (LSA) programme after the government of Korea released US$1m.
A handover and distribution ceremony, held in Gundura, Shurugwi, recently, brought together representatives from the government of Zimbabwe, the embassy of Korea and WFP, along with community members who benefit from the support.
Speaking at the event, Korean ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jae Kyung Par, expressed his country's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.
“Today’s event was made possible thanks to our collaboration with WFP and the government of Zimbabwe. I hope our modest and humble food assistance will help the people of Shurugwi to overcome the difficult challenge of food insecurity,” he said.
The funding from Korea is enabling WFP to provide food assistance to 46 208 people in Shurugwi district during the peak of the lean season.
This is part of WFP’s wider LSA programme, assisting over 985 000 people across nine districts in Zimbabwe. Families receive a balanced food basket of cereals, pulses and vegetable oil, ensuring access to nutritious meals during this critical period.
WFP representative and country director Barbara Clemens highlighted the significance of the assistance and the impact of strong partnerships in addressing food insecurity.
“Food security goes beyond immediate food assistance, it is about ensuring families have reliable access to nutritious food, both now and in the future. Thanks to the Republic of Korea’s generous contribution, we are reaching over 46 000 vulnerable people in Shurugwi. This support is not only saving lives today but also reinforcing communities’ ability to withstand future shocks,” she said.
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WFP’s LSA programme is aligned with Zimbabwe’s national Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, which aims to provide relief to food-insecure communities while promoting long-term resilience-building initiatives.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry's commissioner for refugees, Totamirepi Tirivavi, commended Korea’s contribution and WFP’s role in ensuring food reaches those who need it most.
“This support comes at a crucial time, ensuring vulnerable households do not go hungry during the lean season. We deeply appreciate the Republic of Korea’s generosity and WFP’s continued partnership in strengthening Zimbabwe’s food security efforts.”
Food distribution continues across Zimbabwe as part of the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy.
WFP’s LSA programme will end in March.
