Donations from Individuals across Asia Support Girls’ Empowerment through School Meals

Groupon in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Philippines) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) join hands in fighting hunger and empowering girls through school meals programmes

Bangkok, 25 March 2013 – Groupon, the global pioneer and leader in social e-commerce, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, are launching a daily deal across Southeast Asia to support the empowerment of girls in Asia through school meals programmes.

From 25 March until 5 April 2013, Groupon will call on the general public to help provide a child with WFP school meals for four weeks and with a monthly ration to take home. 100 percent of donations go directly to WFP’s School Meals Programmes, implemented in 14 countries in Asia, including five countries in  Southeast Asia.

Poverty and tradition often exclude girls from education; more than 36 million primary school-aged girls around the world don't attend school. Combating hunger among children helps to improve school performance, close the gender gap in schools and empower girls by increasing their chances to have a brighter future. One nutritious meal a day promotes regular attendance, as a poor family needs to provide one less meal per day for their children, and also offsets the cost of education. WFP seeks to increase the percentage of girls going to school through targeted interventions, such as take-home rations, which are given to girls in return for regular school attendance and which benefit the entire family.

“We appreciate Groupon’s continuing commitment to fighting hunger in Asia, as well as the dedication of individuals across the region who support this partnership,” said Jay Aldous, WFP Director of Private Sector Partnerships. “For many girls in poor communities, a school meal is the only food they will eat all day. Together with take-home rations, these meals act as a powerful investment in girls’ futures.”

Commenting on the campaign, Rafiq Razali, Country General Manager said, “We are proud to be part of this worthy cause which empowers girls and fights hunger in Asia. Our commitment to providing our subscribers with amazing life experiences goes beyond simply providing outstanding deals daily, but also to providing chances for them to make a difference in the lives of others. As we grow our support to the World Food Programme, not only are we fighting hunger, we are investing in Asia’s future.”

It only costs US$0.25 to feed a child a school meal per day, so every donation makes a difference. To contribute to WFP for this initiative, starting on March 25, please visit http://bit.ly/14dv4jz.