Despite numerous signs of hope and progress, one clear theme emerged from AYA latest visit to Africa; feeding the children remains the biggest challenge to our partner schools, orphanages and medical clinics. And it is only expected to get worse.  Food price have tripled or quadrupled in some areas due to rising global food prices and a drought in East Africa causing massive food shortages.  Schools have been forced to cut the portion sizes of students’ lunch, often their only meal of the day, or cut feeding programs all together. 

Food costs already make up a disproportionate percentage of expenses for people and organizations in the developing world, with AYA partners spending 30-50% of their income on food.  This means there is less money to pay teachers or purchase textbooks at schools and less money to pay school fees and other necessities for children living at orphanages. 

The effects of inadequate nutrition on children are devastating.  If there is not a meal at school, many do not attend and spend their day scavenging or doing odd jobs to earn a meal.  HIV-positive children cannot take their medication properly without adequate food and their overall health can quickly deteriorate.   Mothers may prostitute themselves to feed their hungry children.  Earlier in the year, one  of the street children served by AYA partner,Rehema, died of food poisoning after eating rotten food from a garbage dump. 

Therefore, it is difficult for AYA to build strong programs when we don’t yet have a solid foundation.  Food is a basic necessity that permeates every aspect of our partner projects. Even if food prices fall, a huge percentage of our partners’ income and activity is still devoted to securing food.   We need sustainable solutions that provide an affordable means for partners to acquire basic food supplies and allow them to concentrate their time and resources on developing their programs to their fullest potential. 

AYA’s priorities are always to create solutions that have a renewable benefit and create a means of self-sufficiency.   In 2008, we began effort to raise money for a farm in Kenya (where we have the largest concentration of partners and the biggest problem with drought conditions).  We were thrilled to be able to purchase the first 5 acres last year and have seen great success in the corn and beans produced.   With the first harvest we have been able to supplemment feeding programs for several of our partners. The most exciting benefit of the farm is not just in the nutritional value it provides, but the progress it creates by allowing money to be free for other needs.

However, the work is not done.  We need an additional $93,100 to obtain 40 acres and fund start-up costs to fully be able to feed 3000 children under our Kenya partners’ care.  This goal can easily be accomplished with AYA supporters coming together.  For every $50 raised, you will be feeding a child FOR LIFE!  You can also get friends, family, and groups to join the cause and purchase an acre for $4000 and feed 100 children FOR LIFE! 

Food For Life Feed a child for LIFE for only $50!