COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2023) – Thanks to the generosity of its donors, Food For The Poor (FFTP) has raised more than $240,000 to provide food for families in need.

Donors made the contributions in recognition of World Food Day, celebrated on Monday, Oct. 16. FFTP joined more than 150 countries in observing the day to raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and hunger.

With every dollar raised being matched with $3 worth of food, FFTP will be able to provide more than 2.4 million meals for families in need.

“We are so grateful to our donors for their generosity,” said Ed Raine, FFTP President/CEO. “Many families in the countries where we work are struggling to put food on the table. Our donors are making it possible for us to bring them hope in the form of nutritious food that will strengthen and fortify them on their way toward sustainability.”

The day takes on even more critical importance this year as economic shocks, extreme weather and political instability have pushed children and families living in poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean into greater food insecurity.

World Food Day contributions to FFTP will make a big difference for people like Anabel, who lives in Honduras, where she and her family work hard to make street food to sell, barely earning enough to send her girls to school. Though each day is a struggle, Anabel and her husband, Jose, want the best life possible for their children, including their newborn son.

“We unite as a family to work,” Anabel said. “And our children learn the sacrifice of working to be someone in life.”

Gifts for World Food Day will help ensure that families like Anabel’s can make their family food budget go further so they can increase their small business.

“World Food Day is a reminder that millions of people around the world are still suffering from hunger and malnutrition,” Raine said. “We will continue to work tirelessly until every person has access to the basic necessities of life.”

Established by the United Nations in 1979, World Food Day promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.

Although donations are no longer being matched, there is still an opportunity to help FFTP feed hungry families. To make a secure donation, please visit foodforthepoor.org/worldfoodday.

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 17 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.