The World Food Program (WFP) has welcomed Seoul’s decision to send some 40-thousand tons of food aid to North Korea via the U.N. relief agency.

WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran announced Friday that Seoul’s donation, worth some 20 million dollars, is a crucial and very generous contribution that will allow the agency to better respond to the most pressing needs of people in the impoverished North.

Sheerann said the situation in the North calls for determined and timely action by the international community and that the WFP welcomes the lead being taken by South Korea.

According to Sheeran, the significant gap between food required and food available in the North has led to growing hardship and suffering for millions.

The WFP said Seoul’s contribution will allow the agency to resume food assistance for children, pregnant women and families in areas where food is difficult to secure.

The organization also hopes Seoul’s food aid will help the agency reach more than double its current number of beneficiaries, from 700-thousand to one-point-nine million.