Brasília, May 12, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Since the beginning of the year, Zero Hunger has collected US$ 645 thousand (R$ 2.024 million) in money donated by individuals, firms, and partners of the Brazilian government's program to combat hunger.

Deposits are credited to the account of the Ministry of Social Development and Hunger Alleviation's Fund for the Erradication of Poverty and Hunger Alleviation, in agencies of the Federal Savings Bank and the Bank of Brazil throughout the country.

There are already 99 firms, small, medium, and large, that are Zero Hunger partners in Brazil. To participate, all a company must do is present a project that lasts through the current Administration's term in office. Coca-Cola is noteworthy for the continuity of the support it has offered. Its project aims to construct 27 community restaurants, in every state capital, as well as underwriting the costs of maintaining these establishments. Aracruz Cellulose preferred to make a monetary donation, US$ 319 thousand (R$ 1 million), at the end of February.

US$ 2.324 million (R$ 7.293 million) were donated last year to the Fund for the Erradication of Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. The money was used to build 5,100 cisterns in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil. The application of the resources obtained in 2004 has still not been determined. This decision is up to a council presided by the Minister of Social Development and Hunger Alleviation, Patrus Ananias, and should be defined within the next 2 months.

Translator: David Silberstein