WASHINGTON DC, March 30, 2009—When food becomes more expensive, the poor eat less or not at all. The World Bank and its partners have moved swiftly over the last year, disbursing money from the $1.2 billion global food fund faster than even before, to help the poor cope with high and volatile food prices. The funds from the Global Food Response Program (GFRP) have been used to support cash-for-work programs, buy seeds and fertilizer, and provide meals in schools and vitamins for pregnant women and small children, among other endeavors.