FACT SHEET

WORLD FOOD DAY POSTER CONTEST 2012

WORLD FOOD DAY The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been observing World Food Day since 1981 as a way to heighten public awareness about world food problems and create a sense of solidarity in the ongoing struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. The theme of World Food Day 2012 is Agricultural cooperatives key to feeding the world. WHAT ARE AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES? An agricultural cooperative, also known as a farmers' co-op, is a business that enables its members to make money while also providing benefits for the group. Farmers working together as a team can achieve things that would otherwise be impossible. For example, a group of people working together to grow vegetables or fruit, to fish together or simply to sell something collectively can benefit by sharing materials, experience and other resources. WHATS THE WORLD FOOD DAY POSTER CONTEST? FAO and the United Nations Womens Guild in Italy have launched the first international World Food Day poster contest for children from 5 to 17 years of age. Children from all over the world are invited to use their imagination and artistic talent to create a poster illustrating the World Food Day theme: "Agricultural cooperatives key to feeding the world." This contest gives children an opportunity to express their ideas about hunger and share their creative visions with the world. Posters can be digitally created, drawn, painted or sketched using pens, pencils, crayons or charcoal, or using oil, acrylic or watercolor paint. WHAT ARE THE PRIZES? Three winning posters will be selected in each of the three categories: ages 5 to 8, ages 9 to 12, and ages 13 to 17. On World Food Day, 16 October 2012, the top three posters in all three categories will be published on the World Food Day website, through FAOs Facebook page, and with the worldwide entire EndingHunger movement. Winners will also receive Certificates of Recognition signed by a United Nations official. The first-place winner will receive the popular EndingHunger T-shirt along with a special surprise gift! HOW DOES THE JUDGING WORK? Posters will be judged on originality, artistic ability and expression of the theme. Each of the three age groups will be judged separately. The panel of judges will include professionals working in the arts, education and humanitarian assistance.

-1-

WHAT ARE THE RULES? Entries must be original and should not include signature, photographic images of the contestant, or other identifying information. Participants should submit one entry. Only digital files in JPG format can be accepted. If a digital photo is submitted, it must be at least 530 pixels wide and 375 pixels long. The maximum allowable file size is 1.5 MB. Submissions must be made online on the World Food Day Poster Contest webpage and are due by September 30, 2012. FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about World Food Day and about agricultural cooperatives, please visit the World Food Day homepage - http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/wfd-poster-contest/contestabout/en/. For more information on rules and prizes, please visit http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/wfd-poster-contest/contest-rules/en/. ABOUT FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to end hunger. FAO helps developing countries and countries in transition to modernize and improve their agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices. Since its founding in 1945, FAO has focused particular attention on developing rural areas, which are home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people. FAO is present in over 100 countries around the world, and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. For more information: www.fao.org. THE UNITED NATIONS WOMENS GUILD The United Nations Womens Guild (UNWG) is a voluntary organization of women connected to the United Nations that works for the benefit of needy children around the world. The Guild, a non-profit and charitable organization, has been sustaining small programs and raising funds for children in need mainly in developing countries for over 63 years.

-2-