Life-Saving Food Assistance to Haiti in Crisis

Nine-year-old Angelica Richard’s favorite part of the school day isn’t recess. Angelica is one of over 400,000 Haitian schoolchildren benefiting from WFP’s School Meals Program, and the serving of rice and beans she gets at lunchtime is the only thing she’ll eat until the same time tomorrow. “This is my only meal of the day,” she says, “Sometimes I feel weak in the morning and can’t wait till lunchtime.”

Haiti is one of the most chronically distressed nations on the globe, suffering from centuries of corrupt and unorganized leadership, devastating natural disasters, and severe deforestation. 76 percent of the population lives on less than $2/day, and 56% on less than $1. An alarming 46 percent of Haitians are undernourished, particularly women and children.

In addition to its extensive School Meals outreach, WFP has food for work, maternal and child health, and HIV/AIDS programs in place across Haiti. WFP is also actively involved in assisting hurricane-affected populations after four storms devastated the island nation in 2008. Last year, WFP’s programs benefited 2.3 million Haitians – more than one quarter of the population.

Unfortunately, a new hurricane season is looming, and Haiti remains in dire need of more assistance. It is through the generous donations of caring people like you that WFP can expand its operations in Haiti, and reach out a helping hand to students like Angelica and their families. Thank you for your support!