Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, a multi-platinum recording artist and UN World Food Programme (WFP) Goodwill Ambassador has allocated another $2 million from his XO Humanitarian Fund to support WFP's critical food assistance operations in Gaza. This generous contribution will provide over 1.5 million metric tons of fortified wheat flour, enough to produce over 18 million loaves of bread and feed more than 157,000 Palestinians for a month.
This latest donation builds on The Weeknd's initial contribution of $2.5 million in December 2023, which provided emergency food assistance to over 173,000 Palestinians in Gaza. His unwavering commitment to aiding those in need provides hope in the face of a devastating hunger crisis affecting more than one million Palestinians. The pop star is also urging his fans to join him by donating to WFP's Gaza efforts.
WFP is a lifeline for those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, distributing fresh bread, canned food, and ready-to-eat meals to those in UN shelters, communities, and makeshift camps. The non-profit also supports over 100 community kitchens aiming to deliver 500,000 hot meals daily and is working to revive bakeries by supplying them with essential ingredients like wheat flour, fuel, and yeast.
WFP officials expressed their deep gratitude for The Weeknd's continued commitment, emphasizing that hunger is a solvable problem, requiring resources and safe access to deliver food assistance.
Since becoming a WFP Goodwill Ambassador in 2021, The Weeknd has been a champion in the fight against global hunger. Through the XO Humanitarian Fund, established in partnership with World Food Program USA, he and his fans have collectively raised $6.5 million. In total, The Weeknd has directed $4.5 million specifically towards Gaza relief efforts. Additionally, the Fund provided $2 million to support WFP's emergency food assistance for women and children in Ethiopia.
To learn more about The Weeknd's work with WFP, visit wfp.org/TheWeeknd.