KFC Bermuda has joined the United Nations World Food Programme to fight against hunger and is asking residents to make cash donations at its Queen Street restaurant until October 31 to help alleviate the world hunger crisis.

Frank Suess, KFC General Manager, said the effort would benefit from even the smallest donation.

"For the second year running, KFC Bermuda is encouraging fellow Bermudians to join them in a global movement to end world hunger. We will be participating in World Hunger Relief Week, the world's largest private-sector hunger relief effort to raise awareness, volunteerism and much-needed funding for the United Nations' World Food Programme.

"In our current global climate we find commodity and food prices soaring, widespread economic uncertainty, and an ever-increasing rate of severe droughts and floods due to climate change. The combination of these problems is causing the already tragic hunger crisis to become even worse.

"Every person in Bermuda will have the opportunity to help make a difference in the fight against hunger by visiting KFC on Queen Street and making a cash donation during the period, from October 10 through October 31."

World Hunger Relief Week was established in light of startling facts: a child dies of hunger every five seconds; every day 25,000 people starve to death and soaring food prices, draughts and flooding have worsened the food crisis in recent years.

The relief week was formed in 2007 by KFC's parent company YUM! Brands to help fund the UN's World Food Programme. The funds raised during the WHRW will go directly to areas with the greatest need.

Last year the initiative raised $16 million. This year it is hoped that enough funds will be raised to feed over half a million children for an entire year.

Mr. Suess also noted that: "Funds raised will go directly to the areas with the greatest need, making a life-saving difference to the most vulnerable.

"It's fantastic that KFC Bermuda and all of our employees can help and we encourage the public to come into the store and help the hungry.

"Even a gift of $1 will provide four meals to hungry people all over the world. Donations of all sizes are encouraged, as even the smallest amounts will affect change, and there is no purchase necessary."

Employees of Yum! Brands, which owns restaurants such as Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, will also volunteer at hunger relief agencies, food banks and soup kitchens. Yum! Brands is furthering their contribution to the campaign by paying WFP's administrative fees and providing millions of dollars of communications support to help raise awareness of the hunger crisis.

To learn more about the campaign or to make a donation go to www.fromhungertohope.com or visit KFC on Queen Street.