Feed Hungry Families in San Ramon, Costa Rica

Food insecurity is a real part of many individuals’ and many families’ lives in Costa Rica. Loss of a job, health challenges, domestic violence, migrant status, lack of education or marketable skills are some of the many reasons that contribute to an individual or a family becoming food insecure.

CAA is an organization primarily of expats who have chosen to call Costa Rica home either full or part-time. And with that choice, as we have gotten to know and value our Tico neighbors and understand their food challenges, we have realized there are many opportunities to help.

As individuals, when we have learned of folks in our local neighborhoods who are struggling with food issues, we have supplied food to them ourselves and/or rallied others in the wider community to help.

 As an organization, CAA, has focused on providing food support through local non-profits and organizations that we have vetted. And because CAA members and friends make regular, generous contributions to our Food Support project, CAA is able to provide ongoing predictable funding to these partner organizations that allows them, in turn, to address the food security needs of their participants and clients.

When we asked CAA members and friends what brought about this generosity of spirit, this is what they told us:

• When I was much younger, someone helped me with a financial gift when I was in need and I like to pay it forward.  I also think that as an expat living in this beautiful country, I sometimes forget that there are people here that don’t even have enough to eat.  I hope my donations help them.
• My donation to help provide food to someone who is struggling with cancer or a special birthday celebration for an orphaned child not only makes a significant difference in their lives but in mine as well. I feel good to be of help.
• We donate because we want to give back to this community because they have welcomed us with open arms and have always been so helpful to us
• I contribute because I want to support families in Costa Rica to make sure they can put food on their tables. No one should have to be hungry.
• I feel an obligation to be involved in this charitable work as a way of saying thanks for being welcomed in this beautiful country and to support the needs of others less fortunate.

It is with much gratitude and appreciation that we acknowledge the generosity and commitment of CAA members and friends as they work to make a difference in the lives of their Tico neighbors and to say thank you for welcoming us to their beautiful country at the same time.