(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has launched an initiative to raises funds to ship life-saving food aid to countries around the globe. Because the cost of shipping this critical aid is far less than its value, donations are multiplied many times over. For every dollar donated, Salesian Missions is able to ship $20 worth of critical aid to its programs.

Today, an estimated 200 million children are at risk due to severe and increasing food insecurity. In addition, more than 820 million people are suffering chronic undernourishment, according to the latest FAO 2018 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report. The report notes that ongoing wars and instability, extreme weather events linked to climate change, man-made disasters and economic slowdown are reversing progress made in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

According to UNICEF, youth living in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan* and Yemen — countries whose residents suffer from conflict, drought and poverty — are the most urgently affected. Worldwide, there are now 37 million more undernourished people than there were just three years ago — a rapid upward trend that is hitting Africa and South America the hardest.

Thankfully, there are effective ways to address this problem. Salesian Missions maintains several key partnerships that help to secure and donate critical aid like food, water, medicine and housing supplies. Partnerships with organizations like Feed My Starving Children and Rise Against Hunger ensure that students in Salesian programs have access to life-saving food aid that allows them to focus on their studies and gain an education. Salesian Missions needs help from its donors to cover shipping costs to make sure the aid reaches those who need it most.

More than 30,000 Salesian missionaries are dedicated to caring for poor and at-risk youth in programs around the globe. Beyond feeding the poor and helping homeless children, Salesian programs focus on rebuilding lives and helping young people become self-sufficient. This is accomplished through mainstream and technical education that helps youth gain the necessary skills to find and retain employment and go on to become contributing members of their communities.

“Operating primary schools, technical training centers, agricultural schools, youth centers, orphanages and programs for street children, Salesian missionaries are on the front lines of the battle against hunger,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesian missionaries live and work in the communities in which they serve and are perfectly positioned to effectively and efficiently distribute food aid and supplies. Missionaries know the local and political landscape and have the resources to ensure that this aid reaches those most in need. Our donors are an integral part of ensuring this aid reaches youth who depend on Salesian programs for food, water, shelter and education.”

Salesian programs assist poor and disadvantaged youth through education (academic, trade, agriculture) and workforce development initiatives, emergency relief and humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, clean water initiatives and nutritional and health services. To learn more and make a donation, visit SalesianMissions.org/lp/food/.

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Sources:

FAO – World Food Day 2018

Salesian Missions

UNICEF Food Crisis

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.