For children living in extreme poverty, life can be incredibly difficult. Essentials like food, health care, education and safe shelter aren’t guaranteed. These children are vulnerable and twice as likely to die in childhood. That’s why child sponsorship through the Angels Of Hope program can transform a child’s life! Our Angels Of Hope sponsor the most vulnerable children in the Caribbean and Latin America to help give them a new, better future. Children come to our Angels Of Hope program from different family backgrounds. Some are placed in our homes by local governing authorities because of ..read more

Each day, Food For The Poor Board Member Dr. Lynne Nasrallah contemplates the “Stations of the Cross” – the 14 stations that guide believers through the steps taken by Jesus from his condemnation to his burial and resurrection. This past year, Nasrallah began to see the stations reflected in the people of Haiti she’s met and with whom she has walked during her many mission trips with the charity. “At this very moment, there are hundreds of Haitians in Maché Mango praying that you and I will fulfill their dream of a home, a water well or a community center,” said Nasrallah. Providing Homes, Cle ..read more

Over the last month, Food For The Poor has taken great pride in acknowledging National Hispanic Heritage Month with articles about developments in the Hispanic countries where the charity works and with social media posts featuring FFTP team members of Hispanic descent and their passion for service. Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It recognizes and celebrates the many contributions, diverse cultures and extensive histories of the American Latino community. “Observing National Hispanic Heritage ..read more

Food For The Poor’s Volunteer Program continues to grow. Last month, more than 450 volunteers representing South Florida churches, businesses and community-minded individuals helped the charity assemble 116,640 MannaPack meals for families in need in Ukraine. Florida Atlantic University Owls women’s volleyball team was eager to pack meals at FAU Arena, its home gymnasium court. “We make it a little friendly competition because we’re athletes,” said MiaBella English, a junior at FAU. “We really do love giving back and it’s a lot of fun for our team to do together.” FFTP teamed up with longtime ..read more

Across the island of Jamaica, areas once covered with shade trees and lush fruit trees are shockingly barren. Deforestation can ravage communities over time when people living in poverty and lacking other resources cut down trees in their desperate search for wood to cook with and build shelter. After years of tree felling, with no replanting or replenishing, the soil erodes and the land in these communities becomes less fertile. The loss of trees also means the loss of birds, small animals and bees that are critical parts of healthy ecosystems. Sowing Seeds of Sustainability How do you begin ..read more

Huddled together in a flimsy shack, Maria did her best to keep her four young children safe during heavy rains and bitterly cold nights. Many families experiencing extreme poverty in the Caribbean and Latin America like Maria’s live without a proper home and go hungry. Jobs are scarce and low-paying at best. All it takes is one natural disaster to plunge a family on the edge into a desperate future. Maria and her children in their old home. Standing Firm in Faith For Maria’s family, who lived in a shack pieced together from scraps of wood and plastic tarps, life focused only on survival. But M ..read more

Going to the annual Food For The Poor Clergy Speakers’ Convocation is like visiting family, like a spiritual retreat, like going to a continuing ed workshop. Fr. Bob Karris at the Convocation. We speakers have joined a family. As family we share stories. Recently I shared the story of an assignment I had in February. The huge sign outside the church announced, “We’re also open between Christmas and Easter!” I knocked on the door of the house next door, thinking it might be the rectory. An elderly lady answered the door and informed me that the rectory was halfway down the street. She continued ..read more

Representatives from our partner organization in Honduras, CEPUDO, picked us up at the airport and were thrilled to tell us we were immediately going to visit a new project. CEPUDO President Linda wanted to surprise us, so she kept us in suspense for the entire ride. A few hours outside of San Pedro Sula, we arrived at our destination where the surprise was revealed. As we walked onto an open field, a pungent smell greeted us and we stared in amazement at a stunning mountain of green and red – hundreds of jalapeño peppers! The new project was a thriving pepper-growing cooperative. A small asse ..read more

What can fly 15 miles per hour, loves flowers and supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? It’s the humble honeybee! What better day to celebrate honeybees and beekeepers than May 20, World Bee Day? Bees play an essential role in sustainable agriculture and beekeeping is a key provider of jobs in rural communities. FAO reports that one hive can create 44 pounds of honey annually. Many small-scale farmers would like to raise bees because honey production and the sale of honey provide steady income that feeds families and allows them to send their children to school. Beekeeping pro ..read more

Volunteers have a hands-on way to give back through Food For The Poor’s new Volunteer Program. The charity officially launched the program in April with its first Hearts United Community Day, an event that brings together schools, churches, businesses and community-minded individuals. Throughout the year, FFTP hosts groups for small packing events and invites volunteers in to help sort or pack goods sent to the countries served by the charity. Those opportunities will be increasing as the charity looks to engage with volunteers who want to do something meaningful. FFTP is hosting a special Joi ..read more