Haiti Receives Help from Food for the Hungry

Food for the Hungry has arranged to provide emergency relief to families.
Mar 01, 2004 10:10 AM EST

The international relief and development agency has arranged to distribute food along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border through local Haitian pastors and border churches. Phoenix-based Food for the Hungry will work to identify the most vulnerable families, helping them access food short-term and provide relief until the situation stabilizes and the borders open again.

In the past 72 hours, barricades and blocked roads have quickly become ‘normal’ for thousands of panicked people. Much of the food supply has been depleted with over half of the country struck by rebels.

Food for markets have normally been supplied by vehicles crossing from the Dominican Republic (DR) into Haiti; however due to the crisis this week, the border has been closed to vehicular traffic. DR government forces have created a special military-protected corridor just for Haitians buying food.

Food for the Hungry President Ben Homan commented, “We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Haitian situation, particularly since we have sponsored children, missionaries and additional staff working with families just across the border in the Dominican Republic. None of our staff is in danger and we are taking appropriate action in maintaining their safety.”

Food for the Hungry is an organization that seeks to walk with churches, leaders, and families in overcoming all forms of human poverty by living in healthy relationship with God and His creation. The organization helps some of the world's most disadvantaged people in 37 countries through child development programs, agriculture and clean-water projects, health and nutrition programs, education and micro-enterprise loans. To donate to international relief efforts call 1-800-2-HUNGERS or go online to www.fh.org/donate.