Freedom from Hunger(FFH) is a wonderful organization doing amazing things worldwide to alleviate poverty and hunger. As a four star charity, FFH started as Meals for Millions which developed a high-protein powdered food still used in today's aid efforts. Here is a rundown of the organization, then we'll get into the meat of their greatness:
What They Do: Taken from their website, they "bring poor women in Africa, Asia, and Latin America a powerful combination of microfinance, education, and health protection to help them achieve a sustainable, self-help end to world hunger." To do so, they partner with local organizations to educate these women in hopes that they will be self-sufficient at some point. It is not simply through feeding, but also through health, financial and other daily skills needed to empower them.
A Few Projects to Note (according to me):
1. Consumer Protection: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities is a program to educate microfinance clients and their lenders to make sure the clients are getting the information they need and are asking the right questions. In light of the the recent controversy over microfinance institutions allegedly taking advantage of those they are supposed to be helping, I love this transparency. It provides resources for both ends to be sure intentions are still good, and clients can discern for themselves what they should expect in a microlender.
2. Mexico City: They are providing a combination of financial services, life-skills training and health education to those in rural areas through a training center in Mexico City. In their own words,
"By collaborating with existing organizations, we double the effect of our technical knowledge and donor support by leveraging the contributions of local, highly committed and knowledgeable people. Our objective is to transfer our skills, knowledge and capacity to local organizations so they provide services for the long term and, ultimately, without our assistance."
Here's why I like them...
- First of all, they ONLY work with women. I find this really interesting, and in their own words, "We don't exclude men: we focus on women." They understand that in many cultures, the mother is responsible for feeding the household, and thus, they are targeting these women and empowering them. They have a wonderful part of their website which documents the stories of women all over the world: click here
- I really admire their comprehensive approach to poverty and hunger. They do not use one avenue to solve one goal, but blend many development issues to address not only hunger, but the needs beyond that. Their website is incredibly informative, I could have a heyday on there!
- They have an awesome FAQ page
- They do not stand alone, but rather collaborate with as many organizations as possible to achieve their goals to truly diminish hunger, and hopefully, poverty.
If you have never heard about this organization, truly take the time to browse their web page and find out ways you can GET INVOLVED. They are truly worth watching as they courageously take on incredibly difficult global issues. Know that FFH neither endorses nor sponsors this post. All thoughts are my own unless otherwise stated.
I just think this is a pretty fantastic organization, and so should you!!!
-Linbrooke
Hmmm
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