Global payment brand MasterCard is joining with the World Food Programme to do something about hunger. MasterCard and WFP said the partnership will combine the card giant's expertise in electronic payments with WFP's global reach to help the world's hungriest populations.

Among its programs, the WFP distributes vouchers that recipients can use at local shops to buy food and staple goods. Now the partners are forming a "Digital Food Project" whereby MasterCard will help WFP refine and improve its systems so that food vouchers can be delivered via mobile phones in places where consumers don't have access to basic financial services.

"Our partnership with MasterCard is a great example of how transformative private sector partnerships innovate against hunger," said Nancy Roman, WFP director of communications for public policy and private partnerships.

Roman said MasterCard's technical know-how and international reach will help WFP develop its electronic voucher program as well as its online donation mechanism.

MasterCard will also work with WFP to create an enhanced online donation mechanism, the partners said. The effort will let more people donate to WFP's efforts through a wider variety of online payment methods.

The enhanced online donation platform for WFP, called "Integrated Giving," allows global brands to add donation mechanisms on products, and also lets retailers offer donations at checkouts. Mobile applications or game developers will have the option to support WFP from within their applications or games. Across all of these methods, donations will be tracked and credited to the brand and the consumer.

MasterCard and WFP said the platform will create new opportunities for consumers and brands to work together to have an impact on the fight against hunger.

"MasterCard's vision of a world beyond cash is the perfect partner for WFP's vision of a world beyond hunger," said Ann Cairns, president of international markets at MasterCard.

MasterCard has also committed to using its marketing and brand capacity to raise awareness and funds for WFP in several markets, the partners said.

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