Minister Gould to participate in meeting on Food Security and Nutrition during the COVID-19 crisis

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, participated in a meeting of the Group of Friends on Food and Nutrition Security via video conference today.

The meeting, convened by Canada, Italy, Brazil, and Egypt, will be an opportunity for UN member states and international organizations to discuss measures to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on food availability and supply, especially in developing countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have significant and lasting impacts on food security and nutrition for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Canada is closely monitoring the potential impacts of the pandemic, and is particularly concerned about restrictions on food distribution, trade and the international movement of farm labour.

Canada is working with international partners such as the United Nations, the G20, and International Financial Institutions on efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on nutrition and food security. These efforts include cooperating with governments, international organizations and other partners to provide funding for development and humanitarian organizations that are responding to immediate needs and helping to build a more resilient and sustainable food system for the longer term. 

Quotes

“As we cope with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we stand together and work to support one another. Canada recognizes that we must work globally to ensure those most vulnerable, including women and children, have access to safe and nutritious food to keep them strong.”

- Karina Gould, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

• Canada is among more than 40 members of the Group of Friends on Food and Nutrition Security. The Group of Friends focuses on advocacy and promoting global action on issues related to food security and nutrition as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• On April 5, 2020 the Government of Canada announced $159.5 million in funding to be allocated to support global efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including $13.5 million for the World Food Programme and $1.5 million the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Associated links

• World Food Programme
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• UN Sustainable Development Goals: Knowledge Platform
• Canada’s support for international efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic

Contacts

Guillaume Dumas
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
[email protected]

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
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