UN opens fixed food sites in Haiti

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says it has begun ramping up its operations in Haiti by opening 16 fixed food distribution sites.



The WFP says it’s offering supplies to about two million people affected by the massive earthquake in the capital, Port-au-Prince.



Executive Director Josette Sheeran says until now the nature of the emergency has forced personnel associated with the programme to work under substandard conditions to get food out.



Characterising the emergency relief operation as the most complex ever, Sheeran says the 16 fixed sites are an important step towards achieving food stability.



The UN says the distribution sites aim to reach over two million people during a two-week period under the leadership of the Haitian government, and international organizations.