Students in conflict areas to be provided 40,000 meals

MANILA, Philippines — Mastercard, in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), is providing 40,000 nutritious school meals to children in the conflict-stricken areas of Central Mindanao.

Studies have shown that it is difficult for children to learn without adequate food and nutrition, so by providing daily meals in school, they are able to stay in the classroom and focus on their studies instead of their stomachs.

WFP deputy director Mats Persson received the donation from Mastercard Asia-Pacific co-president Ari Sarker and Mastercard country manager in the Philippines Rowell Del Fierro.

Since 2012, Mastercard and the WFP have been working together to deliver innovative solutions to help create a world with Zero Hunger. The partnership connects Mastercard’s expertise in technology and payment systems with WFP’s work in delivering food assistance.

Mastercard has been supporting programs for Syrian refugees, disaster victims in Sri Lanka and schoolchildren in Rwanda, among many other initiatives around the globe.

Locally, the WFP is targeting parts of Mindanao affected by armed conflict.