CANBERRA – The U.N. World Food Programme  has announced the appointment of Jessica Watson as youth representative to support the organisation in the global fight against hunger. Having just turned 18, Jessica has already sailed around the world and been named Young Australian of the year.

She will be focussing on child hunger through the WFP’s school meals programme which aims to help impoverished families often faced with the decision between sending their children to school or to work in fields, streets, factories or sweatshops. The programme enables parents to keep their children attending school by providing food and in addition rations they can take home. WFP gives an average of 22 million children access to school meals every year in roughly 60 countries. The meals play a crucial role in breaking the hunger-poverty cycle, says WFP.

 “We are delighted to have Jessica on board. Her desire to make a difference to children’s lives, coupled with her boundless energy, will be a real asset,” said WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Amir Abdulla, who is visiting Canberra this week. “Jessica Watson is already inspiring young people in Australia and beyond and her leadership will ensure the voices of hungry school children are heard.” Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd took the opportunity to meet with Mr Abdulla and Ms Watson at Parliament House earlier this week.

"It's great to see Jessica Watson, Young Australian of the Year, representing WFP. Jessica is an inspiration to many, a seemingly perfect fit to the work WFP charges itself with around the world," Minister Rudd said.

Jessica joins an expanding group of celebrities, sportspeople and statesmen in the fight against hunger. Her role will involve generating awareness among new generations via social networking sites and fundraising schemes.

“It’s a real honour to be working with WFP and to join the fight against child hunger.  Children cannot learn on an empty stomach and by providing nutritious daily meals, WFP is helping to build a better future for children, their families and their communities as they struggle to escape from hunger,” said Ms Watson.