No child should ever have to go to bed hungry. If a child can only think about where they are getting their next meal, they will have no energy to run, play or simply be kids. When a child is full, they can dare to dream.
Right now, Uganda is facing an ongoing hunger crisis. In fact, only 15% of Ugandan children consume the minimum acceptable diet. Many barriers persist, within communities and globally, and continue to drive Uganda food insecurity. Here are a few of the most detrimental to getting children the food they need.
Spikes in Global Food Prices
Food prices have risen steadily since 2020 for a variety of reasons – inflation, the supply chain, labor costs and the war in Ukraine. COVID-19 worker shortages, droughts and extreme heat have also impacted grocery supplies.
Food inflation has made feeding the hungry children in Ugandan heartbreakingly difficult. As long as the global food crisis continues, Ugandan families will remain vulnerable, children most of all.
Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 has had a staggering effect on access to food in Uganda. In addition to rising food prices, the pandemic has delayed the transport of seeds and fertilizers into the country, slowing agricultural processes. When Uganda issued a general lockdown in March 2020, many parents could no longer work to provide meals or livelihoods for their families.
While many children in Uganda faced hunger before 2020, the pandemic has only exacerbated this issue. We continue to see the lingering effects of COVID-19 on Ugandan families, and thus their ability to provide wholesome meals for children.
Exclusionary Organizations
While there are many hunger relief initiatives in Uganda, not all of them have children’s best interests at heart. Many exclude kids due to factors such as religion, nationality and refugee status. A hungry child is a hungry child, and all children deserve a place at the table. A truly equitable future is one where generosity knows no bounds – where organizations work to ensure that no child is left behind.
Breaking Barriers and Feeding the Hungry
Through compassion and initiative, we can break down these barriers and keep childrens’ stomachs full.
Le Coeur du Partage d’Etienne is committed to providing relief for Uganda’s children. We will never turn a child away due to their religion, nationality or refugee status. Instead, we provide a safe space for all children to eat, play and find community.
Your generous donation will help eliminate barriers, combat Uganda’s food scarcity and give children the means to survive and thrive. Explore our website to learn more or make your first pledge today.