COCONUT CREEK – During the past three decades, Food For The Poor-Jamaica has grown exponentially from a small feeding program in Kingston, to the largest international relief organization in Jamaica.
Food For The Poor continues to serve as a ray of hope to the island’s destitute, even though the organization’s name has become somewhat of a misnomer. Housing, education and agriculture are now also major areas of focus for Food For The Poor, all with the goal of meeting the immediate needs of the poorest of the poor and helping the destitute rise out of poverty.
“Food For The Poor’s donors continue to achieve amazing transformation for the poor, but the needs are immense,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “We are asking for everyone’s help to continue giving what they can to prevent more suffering – as we stretch our charity’s ability to get food and other critical supplies to those who need them the most.”
To mark the island’s golden anniversary in August 2012, Food For The Poor launched the “Jamaica 50 Campaign” to build 50 schools in 50 months. By the end of June, Food For The Poor will have replaced more than 15 schools that were previously deemed as an unfit space for children to learn.
Because of generous donors, Food For The Poor has:
Replaced dilapidated shacks across the island with safe, permanent housing. Since inception, the nonprofit has built 33,862 housing units in Jamaica. Today, thousands remain on the waiting list to receive a Food For The Poor house.
Shipped more than 19,200 containers of essential goods to Jamaica since 1982. These items have been distributed to clinics, prisons, schools, and underserved neighborhood institutions.
Overseen Fishing Village initiatives, fruit tree planting projects, and animal husbandry and agricultural programs that provide food and income, helping to create self-sustaining communities.
Provided clean water, built schools, constructed training centers and clinics, and supported nursing homes and orphanages.
Provided lifesaving emergency aid to survivors of natural disasters. By having an established network of resources throughout Jamaica, Food For The Poor can provide emergency aid quickly and effectively.
