Help Feed Hundreds of Hungry People

Summary

Two million Ecuadorians suffer from severe hunger according to the
World Food Program. Food insecurity in Cuenca, Ecuador has been
impacted by the mass migration of Venezuelan refugees, COVID, a host
of natural disasters, and two national strikes. In addition, the United
Nations says that poverty is a root cause of the surging violence and
insecurity in Ecuador and the UN calls for an increased investment in
education, healthcare and social protection. By addressing food insecurity,
access to education, and hygiene, the Cuenca Soup Kitchen works to
provide access to a more productive future.

Challenge

Food insecurity creates an often insurmountable burden for
families. As a family's resources are dedicated to the daily search
for food, education and health often suffer, thereby creating a
cycle of poverty and food insecurity for generations to come. All of
this takes place against the backdrop of increasing violence.
Ecuador is now ranked as the least safe country in Latin America
(Gallup).

Solution
By providing food kits the Cuenca Soup Kitchen decreases food
insecurity, improves health, gives families the ability to improve
their futures, thereby reducing some of the problems fueling
increased violence in Ecuador. Each applicant is screened and
monitored by a social worker. All children are required to attend
school. As applicants reach stability they are transitioned out of

the program and families from our waiting list take their place.

Long-Term Impact

Reducing food insecurity positively impacts health both in the
short and in the long term. It decreases the child malnutrition rate
of 27%, the second highest rate in Latin America (World Food
Programme). It also provides an opportunity for a better future as
families can focus on education, increasing employment
opportunities, and earning ability. These are positive impacts for
families as well as for the community.