Top Model Joins Hunger Battle

reuters.com Tue January 28, 2003 07:57 AM ET

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen Monday threw her weight behind President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's plan to eradicate hunger in Latin America's largest country.

"I hope that everyone starts to help by giving what they can," Gisele said after handing over a check for $150,000 to Food Security Minister Jose Graziano, who is overseeing the president's new "Zero Hunger" program.

The 22-year-old model made the donation at the opening ceremonies of Sao Paulo Fashion Week, where she was set to parade down the catwalk sporting men's suits designed by Lula's personal tailor, fellow Brazilian Ricardo Almeida.

Gisele isn't the only celebrity backing Lula's goal. Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo has also agreed to participate in the government's war on hunger, though he has yet to open his wallet for the program.

Lula, viewed nervously by some investors who fear he may hurt the economy with populist policies, has made hunger a top priority of his center-left administration.