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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Choithram International Foundation Expand School Feeding Partnership in Benin
CIF will contribute $975,000 in the next three years to sustain and expand school feeding initiatives under the Benin Government’s Integrated National School Feeding Programme (PNASI)
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – EQS Newswire – 15 August 2025 – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Choithram International Foundation (CIF) (www.Choithrams.com) are renewing their commitment to fight hunger and improve education in Benin. CIF will contribute $975,000 in the next three years to sustain and expand school feeding initiatives under the Benin Government’s Integrated National School Feeding Programme (PNASI).
CIF has partnered with WFP in Benin since 2015 to help thousands of schoolchildren receive nutritious meals. The programme now supports 30 schools across the country to increase school enrolment and retention rates, reduce dropout rates, and improve the nutritional status of schoolchildren while fostering economic empowerment and community resilience.
Between 2025 and 2027, the programme will aim to improve nutrition, education, and resilience in Tanguiéta, Matéri, Malanville, Ségbana, and Banikoara in the north of Benin. It will also invest in sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on training women’s food processing groups, improving community resilience through local farmers’ support groups, and introducing “green” canteens equipped with energy-efficient cooking technologies.
“This funding from the Choithram International Foundation marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the most vulnerable communities in Benin—particularly in the northern regions, where food insecurity and instability have deepened. It will enable us not only to ensure the continued operation of school canteens, but also to strengthen nutrition outcomes, enhance community resilience to overlapping crises, and promote the economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level,” said Ali Ouattara, WFP Country Director and Resident Representative in Benin.
CIF’s investment has transformed schools and communities, not just ensuring children stay in classrooms thanks to dependable, healthy school meals, but also reshaping livelihoods. With funds channeled into building essential infrastructure—including kitchens, refectories, water points, and gardens— the partnership is helping beneficiary schools on their journey towards becoming sustainability hubs.
“The school feeding programme run by WFP in cooperation with local governments around the world is a benchmark global campaign that aims to solve challenges of food security and climate change. Choithrams is continuously looking to improve the quality of food consumed, reduce the quantum of food wasted, and efficiently upgrade how food is grown, distributed and retailed. Our commitment to WFP is a synergy of purposes. It gives us an opportunity to rally behind children facing the risk of hunger and malnutrition,” said Lekhu T. Pagarani, Chairman of CIF.
The programme originally launched as a three-year plan targeting 10 schools in the Atacora department, specifically in Boukoumbé and Toucountouna. In its second phase, from 2019 to 2021, the initiative expanded to the southern regions of Mono and Ouémé, benefiting 3,698 schoolchildren in 10 other schools. In 2022, it was extended to support 20 more schools, including those in the Couffo, Atlantique and Alibori departments.
Beyond the classroom, the foundation’s support is empowering local economies by establishing a maize mill and equipping women’s cooperatives with cassava and palm nut processing tools. The result has been a strengthened community where education and employment go hand in hand, creating long-term resilience for families in need.
For the people of Benin, Choithrams’ contribution will supply essential food items—including cereals, beans, oil, and iodized salt—while fresh produce from community gardens will complement the meals. The programme will support 750 women with training and market access.
Through innovative partnerships and strategic investments, WFP and CIF are driving long-term impact, empowering communities with food security solutions that promote self-sufficiency and economic resilience. The delivery of these programmes not only addresses immediate hunger challenges but also lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Choithram International Foundation.
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Caption: Privat, 9 years old, is a student at the Honhoun public primary school in Djidja. He receives nutritious meals at school thanks to the Integrated School Feeding and Nutrition Project that WFP is implementing. Life-changing interventions like these are enabled through the support of valued donors—including the Choithram International Foundation—who remain key partners in WFP’s humanitarian efforts. Photo: © WFP/Bismarck Sossa (1)
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Caption: Privat, 9 years old, is a student at the Honhoun public primary school in Djidja. He receives nutritious meals at school thanks to the Integrated School Feeding and Nutrition Project that WFP is implementing. Life-changing interventions like these are enabled through the support of valued donors—including the Choithram International Foundation—who remain key partners in WFP’s humanitarian efforts. Photo: © WFP/Bismarck Sossa (2)
Download Image (3): https://apo-opa.co/45AEWXw
Caption: The cooks of EPP Agontinmè (public primary school), in the commune of Athiémé, Mono department, preparing maize paste for the students’ meals as part of the National Integrated School Feeding Programme that WFP implements in Benin. Life-changing interventions like these are enabled through the support of valued donors—including the Choithram International Foundation—who remain key partners in WFP’s humanitarian efforts. Credit/Photo: Makéba TCHIBOZO (1)
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Caption: View of EPP Fingninkanmè (public primary school), located in the commune of Dangbo, Ouémé department. WFP has been supporting the Government of Benin in implementing the National Integrated School Feeding Programme which covers 75 percent of all public primary schools, representing 1.4 million schoolchildren in over 5,700 schools. Life-changing interventions like these are enabled through the support of valued donors—including the Choithram International Foundation—who remain key partners in WFP’s humanitarian efforts. Credit/Photo: Makéba TCHIBOZO
Download Image (5): https://apo-opa.co/47xooSV
Caption: The cooks of EPP Agontinmè (public primary school), in the commune of Athiémé, Mono department, preparing maize paste for the students’ meals as part of the National Integrated School Feeding Programme that WFP implements in Benin. Life-changing interventions like these are enabled through the support of valued donors—including the Choithram International Foundation—who remain key partners in WFP’s humanitarian efforts. Credit/Photo: Makéba TCHIBOZO (2)
Download Image (6): https://apo-opa.co/47tXBqC
Caption: The WFP-run Integrated School Feeding Programme in Benin ensures students receive nutritious meals that are sourced from a smallholder farmer’s cooperative, thereby fostering education, school attendance and economic growth. Life-changing interventions like these are enabled through the support of valued donors—including the Choithram International Foundation—who remain key partners in WFP’s humanitarian efforts. Photo: ©WFP/Richard Mbouet
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For more info please contact:
Choithram International Foundation
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World Food Programme
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T +39 06 65131
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Choithrams
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World Food Programme
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About The UN World Food Programme
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
WFP does not endorse any product or service.
About the WFP – Choithrams Partnership
Established in 2015, the strategic partnership between WFP and Choithrams, through Choithram International Foundation, has delivered tangible, life-changing results for many in vulnerable communities in the Middle East and Africa. Choithrams and WFP have collaborated as partners on a variety of Zero Hunger campaigns in supermarket locations across the United Arab Emirates. Over 6.5 million meals have been donated since the start of the partnership in 2015. The WFP Benin Country Office, with financial support from CIF, continues to deliver school feeding programmes under the framework of the Integrated National School Feeding Programme (PNASI) in the West African country.
About Choithrams
For generations, Choithrams has captured the imagination of UAE residents by following its Full of Goodness mantra, delighting customers, partners, and stakeholders at every touchpoint. The brand offers a truly hybrid shopping experience to customers with more than 50 outlets at strategic locations in the UAE, a robust online presence at www.Choithrams.com, and an optimised mobile-first delivery network to reach customers through Instashop, Talabat, Deliveroo, El Grocer, Noon, WhatsApp or by phone.
Today, Choithrams is a successful group with associates in diverse fields including manufacturing, distribution, commodities, retailing This rich combination brings to the group a huge fund of experience and resources. Choithrams came to UAE in 1974 and its chain of over 50 supermarkets have made it a household name in the Emirates.
Check our website: www.Choithrams.com
Media OutReach
FikaGO Debuts in SoHo, Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design
The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.
NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.
Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.
“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.
The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.
“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.
Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer
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About FikaGO
FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.
Media OutReach
Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.

The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.

As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.

In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
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About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
Media OutReach
DHL Express appoints new commercial lead for Asia Pacific
- Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.
Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.
“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.
“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL
https://group.dhl.com/en.html
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
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