Football against hunger campaign launched in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Read this press release in Spanish

Santiago, Chile, January 18, 2010 – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Football Federation of the State of Sao Paulo (FPF) launched, on January 17, the “Paulista Football against hunger” campaign, before the game between Monte Azul and Corinthians in the city of Ribeirao Preto (Brazil).

Its goal is to draw attention to the situation of hunger in which over one billion people live in the world and involve soccer fans in the fight against undernourishment. At a latter stage, the campaign should also include fundraising to finance food security projects.

The campaign was presented to the public during the official opening of the 2010 Championship of the State of Sao Paulo. Before the game, a minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the victims of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. FAO participates in the international efforts in response to the tragedy in that country.

“This partnership will bring good results not only for the world of football, but will also contribute to the country’s development”, said the President of FPF, Marco Polo del Nero. He also sadly recalled the deaths caused by the earthquake in Haiti. “After this terrible happening, surely the world will be more worried with hunger and poverty in the developing countries.”

“We have high expectations. We hope that this partnership will bring great results”, added FAO Representative in Brazil, José Tubino, who also praised FPF’s participation in the fight against hunger.

Before the game, FAO and FPF also signed a cooperation agreement to work together in getting society involved in the fight against hunger. FAO Representative in Brazil José Tubino and FPF President Marco Polo del Nero signed the document.

Football against hunger in the world

The “Paulista football against hunger” campaign happens for the first time in Brazil and repeats successful partnerships that have taken place in different European countries and Chile, calling upon professional athletes, soccer teams and fans to engage themselves in guaranteeing the right to food for everyone. In March 2009, over 100 teams from major European leagues participated in games dedicated to the fight against hunger.

Get involved

Although guaranteeing the right to food is the primary responsibility of governments, everyone can contribute to make it reality. There are many ways to participate.

•The right to food starts at home: try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

•Raise your voice against hunger: every person that says no to hunger gives one more reason for countries to double their efforts for ending hunger. You can make yourself heard by signing the online petition at www.1billionhungry.org

•Donate to the fight against hunger. You can contribute to FAO’s Telefood Fund, that finances grassroot-level micro projects to help families and small-scale farmers communities produce more food and generate cash income, for better access to food. You can make an online donation at: www.fao.org/getinvolved/

Further information

Paulista football against hunger campaign

Football against hunger in the world

1billionhungry.org campaign

Media contacts

Lídia Silva, Media relations, FAO Representation in Brazil: lidia.silva@fao.org, +55 61 3038-2270

Lucas Tavares, Media relations, FAO’ Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean: lucas.tavares@fao.org, +56 2 955 3243

Clara Velez-Fraga, Football against hunger, clara.velezfraga@fao.org, +39 06 570 55238