Mary’s Meals a lifeline to many
WICKLOW native and fundraising coordinator for Mary’s Meals Ireland, Jeannie Higgins, is delighted that the charity can offer a lifeline to those at risk of food shortages. ‘While the lock-down is difficult for us all, we are very lucky that we live in a country of such plenty,’ said Jeannie. ‘I am thrilled that we have managed to fulfil our promise of a daily meal to over one million hungry children around the world during such difficult circumstances.’
Jeannie is a native of Bray and currently lives in Roundwood.
The international school feeding charity has plans in place to reach more than one million chronically hungry children with daily meals despite schools being closed globally as part of the Covid-19 response.
A report published last week by the UN talks specifically about the need to find ways to reach children who rely on school feeding programmes for their nutrition. It warned that around 265 million people are forecast to be facing acute food insecurity by the end of this year, a doubling of the 130 million estimated to suffer severe food shortages in 2019. Of the ten nations predicted to be worst hit, Mary’s Meals operates in four – Haiti, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
In light of the school closures, Mary’s Meals has had to adapt quickly to ensure those who rely on their programmes can still eat.
Plans are now in place to deliver food to more than a million children in Malawi and Zambia by inviting their parents to collect rations to cook at home – plans that will see staff and community volunteers distribute food to around 4,000 villages in Malawi alone.
Similar distribution models are already proving successful in Kenya, Haiti and India as Mary’s Meals staff and long-standing partners ensure vulnerable families can provide a daily meal for their children.
‘Mary’s Meals’ long-standing experience working with some of the world’s poorest communities and in challenging environments is helping to develop new plans and activities,’ said Jeannie.
‘The strong relationships of trust that have been built with the communities where Mary’s Meals are served are crucial at this time because, as always, efforts are founded on locally-led solutions that often depend on community volunteers.’
Volunteers also play a vital role fundraising for the charity, and supporters in Wicklow have continued to be extremely generous, even in these uncertain times. ‘Of course, getting the food out to communities is just one part of this mission and it wouldn’t be possible without generous support from people all over the world who agree that no child should face a day without a meal,’ said Jeannie.
‘We are amazed at the level of support that has continued from the people of Wicklow through these difficult times and are extremely grateful for their generosity and kindness.’
Find the charity at marysmeals.ie.