Provide food baskets this Christmas to help feed families who are suffering from malnutrition. 

What are the needs? 

LEBANON has the highest per capita population of refugees in the world, which puts an enormous strain on social services, infrastructure and employment.  Since 2019, food prices increased by 35% which leads to greater food insecurity and poverty among Syrian refugees.  There remains pressure on displaced Syrians to return, but many are not able to safely or voluntarily return.  The deteriorating economic situation, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was only further exacerbated by the explosion at the Port of Beirut.   

SOUTH SUDAN was affected by a severe famine in 2017, which caused many to flee to neighboring Sudan in search of food.  Families that were able to return were struck by massive flooding in 2019, and are now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.  These households are among the most vulnerable and are struggling to feed their families, while also suffering from an ongoing civil war over the past seven years. 

LATIN AMERICA is home to many countries that struggle with food insecurity, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made matters far worse.  For countries that rely on tourism, the economic shutdown has caused great hardship for families that depend on this industry to bring food to the table.  In Bolivia, strict protective measures only allow people to leave their homes once a week to gather necessities such as food, while El Salvador’s pandemic restrictions have greatly reduced job opportunities in the informal economy, which 70% of the population rely on. 

How will your raised funds be used? 

Raised funds will supply food baskets that consist of staple pantry foods, such as rice, pasta, flour, cooking oil, seasonings and spices, canned tuna, fava beans, lentils, cheese, tomato paste and tea.  Your financial help will support over 3000 families by providing food to help reduce hunger and malnutrition, as well as necessary spiritual care through the local church.    

What’s being done to help? 

In LEBANON, monthly food baskets are being provided to 766 vulnerable Syrian refugee households (approximately 3,830 individuals) through the local church, which covers about 50% of household monthly food needs.  

In SOUTH SUDAN, food assistance is being provided to over 700 households (approximately 4,598 individuals) in Gomjuer, Aweil West County who have been affected by recent flooding and famine.   

In LATIN AMERICA, food baskets are being supplied to 1,500 vulnerable families across Bolivia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Cuba and Costa Rica.  Churches are also providing spiritual care as concerns about finances, isolation, and health are on the rise.