$1 donation provides $20 of critical nutrition

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has launched its Annual Food Distribution Appeal, enabling donors to multiply their gift many times over by turning a $1 donation into $20 of critical nutrition.

Salesian Missions maintains partnerships with international humanitarian aid organizations like Rise Against Hunger and Feed My Starving Children that donate tons of nutritious food. With the trusted presence of Salesian missionaries in more than 130 countries, life-saving meals are provided for people who need them most. Donor funding helps Salesian Missions transport the meals from shipping docks to Salesian program locations around the globe.

In some places, the severity of food insecurity is overwhelming. An estimated 673 million people are living with hunger, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Further, the organization has noted that more than 2.8 billion people are unable to afford a healthy diet. The rising levels of obesity and widespread food waste point to a system out of balance where abundance and absence coexist, often side by side.

FAO has indicated, “Agrifood systems are facing unprecedented challenges. Conflict, the impacts of extreme weather and climate events, economic shocks, and rising inequality are placing mounting pressure on the land we farm, the water we depend on, and the biodiversity that supports life. Supply chains remain fragile, and the effects of disruption are being felt in homes, markets, and fields around the world.”

In 2024, Salesian Missions sent food aid to Burundi*, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, Dominican Republic, Haiti, South Sudan* and Uganda. This food aid provided meals to students and served as an incentive for families to send their children to school. As a result of the feeding programs, students are thriving. Many have gained weight, suffer fewer illnesses and have become more focused on their studies.

“Salesian missionaries live and work in the communities in which they serve and know the landscape. Because of this, they are perfectly positioned to effectively and efficiently distribute goods and supplies like food aid,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Our donors remain an integral part in ensuring this aid reaches youth who depend on Salesian programs for food, water, shelter and education.”

More than 30,000 Salesian missionaries are dedicated to caring for youth who are poor and disadvantaged by providing programs around the globe. Salesian programs assist youth through education (academic, trade and 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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Salesian Missions

*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.