Africa Children's Feeding Centers
In 2022, we had the privilege of visiting a feeding program in a fairly large village outside of Harare, Zimbabwe. It was lunchtime and about seventy-five children were lined up to receive a hot meal. It was probably their only meal that day. Families did not have food to feed their children. It looked like a well-run program that was doing fine on its own. Besides volunteers feeding the children, they were also hearing Bible stories and learning about God.
I was surprised to hear the program had only been in operation for a little over a month. A pastor and his wife started the program. They also had regular jobs, so they funded the program until their savings ran out. It closed after operating for two months.
About a month after that, I was having a phone conversation with our contact in Zimbabwe, John Mutandwa. John and his organization, Faith In Community Aiders) had been working with the church in Glen View. In that conversation, I asked about the feeding program. That was when John informed me that it closed because the pastor and his wife ran out of funds. That was bad enough, but he continued on and told me several children had died after the program closed.
That got to me. We had to do something.
We spread the word that our program was in need of assistance, and fortunately, a very generous donor came forward to help us restart it. With their support, we were able to purchase a new gas stove and provide funds for food. On the first day, fifty-two children showed up to receive a hot meal and to listen to stories from the Bible. Just a month later, we were serving two hundred and fifty children every day, and the program became a great success.
Thanks to the program, there are children who are alive today.
Did you know that there is still much more to do? Another donor has approached us and asked if there is another site that needs help. Without hesitation, we confirmed that there are many other locations where programs like this are needed. While we completely fund one site, there is another program in another village waiting to get started. However, we cannot make this happen without your help. It costs approximately $400 US dollars a month to completely fund a feeding center. While one-time contributions are appreciated, we prefer monthly pledges to ensure sustained support for these programs. You can make a one-time contribution or make a pledge by clicking the button below. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can mail checks to Helping Hands Unlimited, PO Box 111, Albany, IN 47320.
Please help us make a significant difference in the lives of children in Africa. Make a contribution today!