NEW YORK - Rapper Wyclef Jean and two leading development organizations have come together to respond immediately to the urgent food crisis in Haiti.

At a news conference in New York City, the musician said Tuesday that his foundation, Yele Haiti, the World Food Programme and the Pan American Development Foundation have formed "Together for Haiti."

It will provide food, create jobs and support local agriculture as part of a co-ordinated emergency response to Haiti's food crisis.

The Grammy Award-winning recording artist says rising food prices have created a crisis unlike any he's seen in his native country - one of the poorest in the developing world.

Organizers say the alliance will mobilize an urgent appeal to individuals, companies and foundations.

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On the Net:

Yele Haiti: www.yele.org

World Food Programme: www.wfp.org

Pan American Development Foundation: www.padf.org