Islamic Development Bank slates $1.5 bln for food

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, June 2, (Reuters) - The Islamic Development Bank has earmarked $1.5 billion to the least developed Muslim countries to boost food security over five years, Bahrain's Finance Minister said on Monday.

"The board of governors has approved the five-year programme to help reach food security in the least developed member states," Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalifa said at the annual Islamic Development Bank governors' meeting in Jeddah.

Sheikh Ahmed chairs the governing committee.

It was not immediately clear if the moneys would be loaned or donated. (Reporting by Souhail Karam; Editing by John Irish)