(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins the international community and organizations around the globe in honoring World Food Day. Celebrated each year on Oct. 16, the day was established to bring attention to the plight of the world’s hungry and undernourished while providing an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the complex solutions for ending hunger.

This year’s theme, “Leave no one behind,” calls on everyone to “build a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) noted, “Millions of people around the world cannot afford a healthy diet, putting them at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. But ending hunger isn’t only about supply. Enough food is produced today to feed everyone on the planet. The problem is access and availability of nutritious food, which is increasingly impeded by multiple challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change, inequality, rising prices and international tensions. People around the world are suffering the domino effects of challenges that know no borders.”

As many as 828 million people go to bed hungry every night. The number of those facing acute food insecurity has soared from 135 million to 345 million since 2019, and a total of 50 million people in 45 countries are teetering on the edge of famine, according to the World Food Programme.

Salesian Missions operates feeding programs in its schools and centers through partnerships with organizations like Rise Against Hunger and Feed My Starving Children. Salesian Missions identifies needs and coordinates delivery of 40-foot shipping containers full of meals that are supplemented with additional supplies when available.

“Salesians around the globe know how important healthy nutrition is for the children and older youth we serve in our schools and centers,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Children can’t focus on school when they are hungry, and those facing malnutrition often fail to thrive. Salesian feeding programs ensure that youth have access to nutritious meals to fuel their education, play, and connection with their families and friends.”

This World Food Day, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight feeding programs in schools and centers around the globe.

BENIN

Children at a home for abused and abandoned children in Benin received food support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Children at Foyer Don Bosco, a home for abused and abandoned children in Kandi, Benin, have received food support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding provided food support for 36 children, as well as cleaning products and medicines for the infirmary. Ten girls and boys have also benefited from the purchase of toolboxes for various trades.

Foyer Don Bosco serves boys and girls in very complex situations, including those who have been abandoned by their families, victims of abuse, and victims of forced marriages. The area of Kandi often has an influx of children who are on their own. Children are sometimes sold on the black market and exploited in the workforce. A transit home was started with the support of UNICEF to host these children, while guiding them to other homes or trying to find their families.

Foyer Don Bosco was created for children who have nowhere else to go or need to stay for long periods of time. In collaboration with the juvenile courts of Benin, minors who are in conflict with the law and in high-risk situations are assisted by the Salesians. The border police also intercept children being trafficked from Niger and Burkina Faso.

DR Congo

A farm project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is helping students overcome food insecurity.

Don Bosco Kansebula in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, was able to improve the yield from its farm thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The “Food security for the youth of Don Bosco Kansebula” project helped to provide food for 360 children and youth ages 6-22, as well as 83 young Salesians who are studying philosophy at Don Bosco Kansebula.

Most of the children and youth who received nutritional support are attending the local secondary school and college and live in the village. Single mothers were also supported as a part of this project.

Don Bosco Kansebula has a 44-hectare farm that supplies food for the Salesian formation house and to the village nearby. Since its beginning, Don Bosco Kansebula has provided young Salesians with philosophy education and has given them shelter and nutritional support while at the school. Villagers living near Don Bosco Kansebula have used the farm to cultivate food for themselves and the community.

Most of the youth in the village cannot afford to have more than one meal a day and the quality of the food is not sufficient. With COVID-19, many have been pushed further into poverty and do not have the means to support themselves. The goal of this project was to help increase the yield from the farm to provide for the nutritional needs of those in Salesian programs and in the village.

HAITI

Students at schools in Haiti benefited from food program partnerships.

Students attending the Salesian-run Timkatec schools in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger. The shipment provided rice-meals from December 2021 to January 2022.

The rice-meals were distributed at the school canteen and sent home with students in need. A Salesian reported, “Since the canteen was suspended for the months of November to December for lack of rice, we decided to make a first distribution of dry rice to take away on the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 7. The rice was distributed after mass in the courtyard of the Professional School: Timkatec 2.”

The Timkatec school has existed since 1994 and was founded for former street children. Later, it was expanded to include local disadvantaged children who had not had the chance to attend school until ages 8-10. The vocational schools were added later so youth could learn a trade for employment. Additional rice-meals were distributed at the canteens in the three Timkatec schools and provided to students to take home during times of school closure.

PERU

Don Bosco Foundation, Lima, Peru distributed food aid to Salesian programs serving vulnerable people, including migrant families.

Vulnerable populations in Peru struggling with food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns received food aid in 2020 thanks to a partnership between Feed My Starving Children and Salesian Missions. With the support of the Flexport.org Fund, Salesian Missions received fully-funded logistics services to ship this food aid to Peru and another shipment to Guatemala.

Don Bosco Foundation in Lima was the main recipient of the food aid, which was then distributed to other Salesian programs serving vulnerable youth and adults, including migrant families and women and children living in conditions of poverty. The majority of the distribution went to Salesian programs that host community kitchens that feed local communities.

Don Bosco Foundation found that requests for aid increased dramatically after the quarantine. The aid shipped by Salesian Missions provided significant support to help families who were no longer able to work and put food on the table. Don Bosco Foundation has helped to support more than 6,000 people during the pandemic with a variety of services.

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Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

BENIN: Children receive food support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

DR CONGO: Farm helps students overcome food insecurity

HAITI: Students benefit from food program partnership

PERU: Vulnerable people receive food aid through partnership

Salesian Missions

World Food Day 2022

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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.

The post WORLD FOOD DAY: Salesian Missions highlights feeding programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins the international community and organizations around the globe in honoring World Food Day. Celebrated each year on Oct. 16, the day was established to bring attention to the plight of the world’s hungry and undernourished while providing an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the complex solutions for ending hunger.

This year’s theme, “Our Actions are our Future,” focuses on the way food is consumed and its effect on health and the planet. More than 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. Of that number, 821 million people—one in nine—still go to bed on an empty stomach each night, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Further, agri-food systems employ 1 billion people worldwide, more than any other economic sector. FAO noted, “The way we produce, consume and, sadly, waste food exacts a heavy toll on our planet, putting unnecessary pressure on natural resources, the environment and climate. Food production too often degrades or destroys natural habitats and contributes to species extinction.”

Salesian Missions operates feeding programs in its schools and centers made possible by partnerships with organizations like Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable. Salesian Missions identifies needs and coordinates delivery of 40-foot shipping containers full of meals and supplemented with additional supplies when available.

“Salesian Missions programs are dedicated to providing feeding programs to ensure that youth have a nutritious and healthy diet,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “During the pandemic, Salesian missionaries, staff and volunteers have worked in countries around the globe to ensure that children out of school, families who have lost income, migrant workers and those living in extreme poverty often on the fringes of society have enough to eat. From providing hot meals to food kits, Salesian programs are working on the front lines helping to feed those most in need.”

This World Food Day, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight feeding programs and organic farming initiatives in schools and centers around the globe.

INDIA

In India, Salesian organizations provide food kits and baskets to ensure those living in poverty have proper nutrition.

Salesian missionaries in India are continuing to help those impacted by the deadly second wave of COVID-19. Don Bosco Nava Nirman, in Maniguda in the state of Odisha, provided free food kits to migrant workers, those living in slums, rag pickers, beggars, street vendors and tribal families. Salesians wanted to ensure that those living on the fringes of society and facing the direst circumstances still had access to adequate nutrition.

In addition, Don Bosco Nava Nirman, with the support of Bosco Seva Kendra, the planning and development office, distributed essential food supplies, including rice, oil, fruit, vegetables and biscuits, as well as masks to more than 300 families. Father Arul Das, director of Don Bosco Nava Nirman, led the program with the collaboration of the members of the community, who also visited the Bosco Study Centers in tribal villages and distributed fruit to children.

In Mumbai, Don Bosco Nerul is also focused on ensuring local communities have access to proper nutrition. It has set up the Don Bosco Cares Fridge where donors can leave food for other members of the community. Nearly 70 percent of the donations are made by local Salesian school teachers. The rest of the donations are from those passing by who have the ability to donate.

SENEGAL

Bosco Global launches new agroecology training for 10 Salesian students in Senegal.

Bosco Global recently launched the “Cultivating the skills of young people. Formation in agroecology in Tambacounda (Senegal)” project with the support of the Menorcan Fund for International Cooperation. The initiative is supporting the education and training for 10 students attending Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Tambacounda and their families, which includes about 50 people total.

Youth are learning about organic farming techniques, soil enrichment and water optimization. The students have been assigned rural plots, and some of them have already started working. The project will help curb desertification and enrich the soil that is now depleted due to a lack of nutrients and water, as well as climate change, which is shortening the rainy season.

Thanks to this project, some of the students are already thinking about setting up a business to market their crops. At the end of the agroecological training, students will also be offered a course on how to obtain microcredit.

THAILAND

The Salesian Family provides 600 food bags to those living in situations of vulnerability in Thailand.

The Salesian Family in Thailand recently launched the “We are in the Same Boat” campaign to help bring relief to people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative provided 500 food bags for poor residents living in Khao Yoi, Phetchaburi Province and in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi Province. Another 100 food bags were given to refugees from Myanmar staying along the border of the Kanchanaburi Province. The event was held at the grounds of the Salesian Society in Bangkok.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand is still impacting between 2,300-3,000 people who are testing positive each day. Many are working in large factories and in close contact with each other. The virus has also spread into adjacent villages. The government has made an effort to vaccinate people, but the numbers are still low.

There are also refugees from Myanmar who are fleeing to Thailand for safety but find once they arrive, they face hardships as they settle in. These families have few resources, and they are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

UGANDA

In Uganda, Salesian missionaries in Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp provide food aid to 800 thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries living and working at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp in Uganda have been able to provide food aid to 800 people at the camp thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.

Even before COVID-19, living conditions in Palabek were not easy. Food distribution was scarce and there were difficulties in accessing drinking water. With the arrival of the pandemic, everything has become even more complicated. The amount of food delivered to refugees once a month has been reduced by 30 percent, classes and activities were suspended, and episodes of violence, alcoholism, and teenage pregnancies began. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warns that unless urgent action is taken to address the situation, levels of acute malnutrition, stunting and anemia are expected to rise, especially among children.

In addition to providing food directly, Salesian missionaries are working to counter the food shortage through the cultivation of food including cereals, vegetables, and if possible, some cash crops such as sim sim, groundnuts and sunflower. The goals are to promote kitchen gardens of vegetables and fruits, hire land from the local Ugandans, and create agreements to work together with the host community. Salesians have provided several hundred kilos of maize, beans, soya beans, sim sim, groundnuts and many assorted vegetable seeds. They have also provided tons of cassava cuttings.

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Sources:

INDIA: Most vulnerable people receive essential food supplies

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

Salesian Missions

SENEGAL: Youth learn organic farming techniques through new project

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

THAILAND: Refugees and other vulnerable people receive food aid

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

UGANDA: Refugees receive critical food aid, support for farming

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

World Food Day 2021

The post WORLD FOOD DAY: Salesian Missions highlights feeding programs and organic farming initiatives first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins the international community and organizations around the globe in honoring World Food Day. Celebrated each year on Oct. 16, the day was established to bring attention to the plight of the world’s hungry and undernourished while providing an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the complex solutions for ending hunger. It is also a chance for the international community to show its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2, to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.

This year’s theme, “#FoodHeroes,” focuses on the important role played by governments, farmers, businesses and the general public, along with the challenges they face and the digital innovations that are helping them and the food systems to perform better. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), more than 2 billion people do not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. The global population is expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050.

Nearly 690 million people are hungry. This is up 10 million people since 2019. FAO reports the COVID-19 pandemic could add between 83-132 million people to this number, depending on the economic growth scenario.

Salesian Missions operates feeding programs in its schools and centers made possible by partnerships with organizations like Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable. Salesian Missions identifies needs and coordinates delivery of 40-foot shipping containers full of meals and supplemented with additional supplies when available.

“Salesian Missions programs are dedicated to providing feeding programs to ensure that youth have a nutritious and healthy diet,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “During the pandemic, Salesian missionaries, staff and volunteers have worked in countries around the globe to ensure that children out of school, families who have lost income, migrant workers and those living in extreme poverty often on the fringes of society have enough to eat. From providing hot meals to food kits, Salesian programs are working on the front lines helping to feed those most in need.”

This World Food Day, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight feeding initiatives in schools and programs around the globe.

BRAZIL

Relief work is happening across Brazil for needy youth and families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Salesian Network, in collaboration with partners, has provided 460 youth and their families with food assistance in the city of Manaus on the banks of the Negro River in northwestern Brazil. Families in need were tracked and identified through an app. More than 800 baskets of food were delivered, with deliveries observing the guidelines for coronavirus prevention provided by the World Health Organization.

Relief work is happening across Brazil. The Mamma Margarita Salesian Youth Center, located in the municipality of Niterói in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, has also been helping needy families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic by distributing food and hygiene products. The youth center launched a Salesian Solidarity Campaign, which has supported these efforts for four months. Since the start of the pandemic, many businesses, companies and shops have had to suspend their work. This included the Salesian Youth Center.

According to the Salesian Social Communication Office, many children who live in the areas surrounding the Salesian Youth Center were being fed at the youth center before the pandemic because their families did not have enough money for food. It was critical that funds were utilized to continue to feed these children during the lockdown period.

EAST TIMOR

More than 1,200 youth attending Salesian schools and youth centers in East Timor had better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger.

More than 1,200 youth attending Salesian schools and youth centers in East Timor had better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger. The shipment, which arrived in the last quarter of 2019, provided donated rice-meals to ensure students had a healthy meal during the school day.

Don Bosco Technical School Fatumaca, Don Bosco Technical High School Maliana, Don Bosco Training Center of Comoro, Don Bosco Laga Youth Center, Don Bosco Youth Center Baucau and Don Bosco Lospalos Orphanage were all recipients of the donation.

“Hungry students have trouble focusing on their studies and learning,” said Fr. Baek. “Proper nutrition is needed to fully take part in classroom and in-field training. Prepared students are more likely to learn valuable skills that will help them gain employment and break the cycle of poverty in their lives while enabling them to give back to their communities.”

SOUTH AFRICA

Salesian sites in Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho and South Africa received food support as part of COVID-19 relief efforts, thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries, with the Salesian Planning and Development Office in Johannesburg, South Africa, were able to provide food support to Salesian sites in Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho and South Africa thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The project is part of COVID-19 relief efforts in these countries.

All Salesian sites that have received the donation have distributed the first food packages to youth and families in need and are now preparing for the second distribution in the coming weeks. The feedback Salesians are receiving from people benefiting from the donation is very positive.

Further funding from Don Bosco Mondo in Germany will allow Salesian missionaries to continue with this project for the most vulnerable for an extended period of time. The funding also has provided the opportunity to begin production of masks, which will be added to some of the food packages.

ZAMBIA

A partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children provided rice-meals that became a lifeline for people in Zambia in the face of the pandemic.

Mary Help of Christians in Kasama, Zambia, was able to provide meals to youth in need thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The rice-meal donation was provided and distributed to the Sisters of the Child Jesus who are working in health centers and have communities with orphans, children who are blind and people who are albino. The donation was also shared with youth and children who come to the Mary Help of Christians oratory and parish.

The food arrived in May and become a lifeline in the face of the pandemic. Sister Godelieve, who works in Kasama, said, “The rice is the manna that we have waited for to help people. It’s normal for us to see poor children in need of nutrition but with the pandemic, many people are struggling.”

Sr. Godelieve added, “As a community we have many people coming to our door to beg for food. The rice is a solution for us. It allows us to help the poor who knock at our door. We give rice to our workers. It helps them to nourish their children. During the pandemic, most of people have found themselves without work. Therefore, when they receive rice, they can at least have a meal in a day.”

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Sources:

BRAZIL: The Salesian Network provided 460 youth and their families food assistance in Manaus

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

EAST TIMOR: More than 1,200 youth attending Salesian schools and youth centers received better nutrition thanks to Rise Against Hunger rice-meals

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

FAO – World Food Day 2020

Feed My Starving Children

Salesian Missions

Rise Against Hunger

SOUTH AFRICA: Salesian Missions funding supports food relief in Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

ZAMBIA: At-risk youth and their families impacted by Feed My Starving Children rice-meal donation

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

The post WORLD FOOD DAY: Ensuring youth and their families have access to the nutrition first appeared on MissionNewswire.