As the New Orleans Saints march towards the National Football League’s NFC Championship, Saints Running Back Reggie Bush is starring off the field by helping WFP raise America’s awareness about global hunger.

In a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) and print advertisement, Bush proceeds to cook his perfect meal – “pigskin” on a plate – closing the spot with the statement: “Unfortunately, not everyone can live off football -- help those who can’t.”

The TV spot uses music by the Rolling Stones who performed at the 2006 Super Bowl at half-time and who have given WFP the rights to use one of their songs.

Waistline worries

“These days, people are more worried about their waistlines than the problem of global hunger, and they forget that there are 25,000 people who die each day because they are malnourished,” said WFP’s Director of Communications, Neil Gallagher.

“Teaming up with sports and such an incredible athlete and public figure as Reggie Bush is key to raising awareness about hunger. Reggie has a big heart, and together with millions of children all over the world who depend on food aid for their survival, we wish him the best of luck in this Sunday’s game.”

“I want to do whatever I can to help WFP tackle hunger – it’s surprising but there are more hungry kids in the world now than ever before. They need our help,” said Bush.

Child deaths

Worldwide, children account for more than half deaths caused by hunger and hunger-related causes.

WFP is the frontline emergency relief agency which aims to end global hunger.

Reggie Bush is in his rookie year as a first-round draft pick for the New Orleans Saints. He is a leader on offense for the Saints and a recipient of the 2005 Heisman Trophy, the top college football award.

Commitment to education

Bush has shown his commitment to education in the US by donating $50,000 to help a New Orleans Catholic school for students with learning disabilities after Hurricane Katrina.

Bush is also helping his team’s town through the Yard By Yard program; during this football season, every yard he gains brings a donation from his sponsor to help rebuild New Orleans.

Note to editors:
The Reggie Bush PSA
can be viewed online by
clicking here.

For print media interested
in the ad, please contact WFP
spokespeople below.

Bettina Luescher
WFP/New York
Tel. 212-963-5196
Cell. 1-646-824-111
luescher@un.org

Renae Morgavi
WFP/Los Angeles
Tel. 1-360-281-8382, renae.morgavi@wfp.org

Ellen Gustafson
WFP/New York
Tel. 1-917-367-5070, gustafsone@un.org

WFP Television
Communications/Producer:
Jonathan Dumont
WFP/Rome
Tel: +39-06-6513-3152
jonathan.dumont@wfp.org