The meals our volunteers package for distribution around the globe are comprised of rice, dehydrated vegetables, soy and a sachet of micronutrients. When our Stop Hunger Now Philippines in-country office identified local smallholder farmers who could produce those dehydrated vegetables rather than purchasing them from commercial suppliers, our meals took on a new meaning.
In addition to people in need receiving much-needed nutrition from Stop Hunger Now meals, these local farmers are receiving a fair wage that propels their families and entire community forward. They no longer face the challenges of selling their produce through middlemen or uncertain market prices.
“It’s a full cycle of the value chain from farm to fork,” said Edna Ogwangi, Stop Hunger Now Chief Impact Officer. “We will absolutely replicate this in other areas where we work — it’s a very holistic cycle of sustainability.”
“What is happening in the Philippines is something we have wanted to do in all of our locations around the world, ” added Andrew Sullivan, Stop Hunger Now Director of International Affiliate Development. “It’s innovative and groundbreaking because it is something we have always envisioned and this is the first in-country affiliate to actually do it.”
In 2017, Stop Hunger Now will continue to implement income-generating programs like this one that promote long-term, sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty around the globe.
From drilling water wells to building tilapia ponds to training local farmers, promoting self-sufficiency is #HowWeRise.