Our Work

Feeding the Hungry

Hunger affects nearly one billion people. Starvation claims the lives of millions of people each year. Children are most often the victims of starvation and hunger. The result of chronic hunger, especially among children, is the depletion of their bodies' usual ability to rebound from disease. Lacking essential nutrients, children die from diarrhea, measles, and other illnesses, which are considered minor and easily treatable in first world countries. In short, a child's death occurs without reason; an absolutely unthinkable event in our hemisphere, but an everyday occurrence in developing countries.

Starvation is the ultimate symptom of a much more abundant problem: chronic hunger. Hunger cripples both body and mind. It can lead to irreversible impairments such as stunted growth, blindness and permanent brain damage. Each year, more than 100,000 children lose their eyesight due to lack of Vitamin A. More than 300 million children suffer grossly retarded physical growth simply because they do not get enough food to eat. In developing countries, one out of every three children born dies before the age of five. This means that a child will die from starvation every 2 to 3 seconds.

Food For Children began its ministry by feeding the hungry in Asia, Africa and America. This work continues today through a number of local community projects, such as the Cattle Farm and local restaurant in Usuk, Uganda. Food For Children, in collaboration with the Holy Cross Congregation, and Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, provided the local women's' association with 10 cows for their community. As calves were born, they were given to other women, so that the project would become self-sustaining. The cattle received Veterinary services monthly, so that they would remain in good health. In addition to the cattle, the women were provided with funds to start a small restaurant. Through the restaurant, nutritious meals were served, and part-time jobs were created by which the community could learn new skills.