Church leader visits WFP headquarters to reinforce collaboration

Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a visit to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) headquarters in Rome on April 17, 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen the long-standing collaboration between the Church and the WFP, with both organizations committed to aiding those in need. Bishop Caussé was welcomed by WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain and Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation Rania Dagash-Kamara. Joining him were David McMillan, secretary to the Presiding Bishopric, and Christian Ottiker, manager for Welfare and Self-Reliance in the Church’s Europe Central Area.

Bishop Caussé commented on the collaboration, stating, “Our long-time collaboration with the World Food Programme allows us to foster hope and self-reliance amidst adversity. By leveraging our combined resources and expertise, we are able to make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.” The visit included a tour of WFP’s Nobel Peace Prize exhibit and a visit to a memorial wall for WFP staff who have died in service.

The discussions focused on WFP’s work in nutrition, school meals, and logistics, areas where the Church and WFP have been collaborating since 2014. WFP’s programs aim to provide immediate aid and build long-term resilience in vulnerable communities. The briefing included discussions on school meal programs, highlighting their benefits for both children and local economies.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain expressed gratitude for the Church’s continued support, stating, “Our shared values of compassion and service to others inspire us to work together to end hunger and malnutrition, transforming lives and empowering communities to thrive.”

Dagash-Kamara called the visit a “meaningful opportunity to discuss the breadth and depth of our 11-year collaboration, delivering impactful results across emergency response and sustainable development programs.”

In 2024, the Church, WFP, and World Food Program USA joined forces to fund an emergency response hub in Barbados. Additionally, the Church donated US$8 million to support a school meals program in Haiti. On a prior visit in 2022, Bishop L. Todd Budge presented the WFP with $32 million from the Church for hunger relief efforts.

Bishop Caussé’s visit underscores the Church’s ongoing commitment to the partnership with the WFP.