. . .bringing immediate relief in times of crisis and laying foundations for long-term sustainable development

You may be familiar with traditional relief programs, which focus on fixing the short-term emergency needs of a community affected by war, famine, natural disaster, or other humanitarian catastrophes. Food for the Hungry's relief program does the same, but then desires to take the help a step further to make it more sustainable. We aim to not only solve immediate problems (clean water, medical care, food, and so on), but to follow-up that emergency relief step with community development initiatives. Whenever possible we want to leave behind a sustainable environment for disaster victims to help themselves.

 

In other words, relief through Food for the Hungry isn't about solving only immediate problems. Ideally, it’s a bridge to something greater. After the initial disaster is dealt with, we desire to help communities establish infrastructure, develop small businesses, build classrooms, provide education on better farming - whatever a community needs to thrive after a catastrophe without outside help.

All relief workers on location in a disaster area are trained to ensure a community's culture stays intact. And we use the resources already existing there to help communities rebuild. This sort of change doesn't take place over a few weeks - it's a process that can take years. This is why we strive to continue operating until the community can care for itself and flourish. Our job is considered truly done when the community no longer needs assistance and can care for itself - the goal of every relief and development mission.

To learn more about current Food for the Hungry Relief projects and how you can get involved, visit our Current Relief Work page.