Help Feed Hundreds of Hungry People

Summary
Food fuels the future! Food insecurity in Cuenca, Ecuador has been
impacted by the mass migration of Venezuelan refugees, COVID, a host
of natural disasters, and two national strikes. Two million Ecuadorians
suffer from severe hunger according to the World Food Program. The
Cuenca Foundation is committed to providing food to families
experiencing food insecurity in Cuenca, Ecuador and by doing so,
providing greater access to a more productive future.

Challenge

Food insecurity creates an often insurmountable burden for
families. As a family's resources are dedicated to the daily search
for food, education and health often suffer, thereby creating a
cycle of poverty and food insecurity for generations to come.

Solution

By providing food kits the Cuenca Soup Kitchen decreases food
insecurity, improves health, and gives families the ability to
improve their futures. Each applicant is screened and monitored
by a social worker. All children must attend school. As applicants

reach stability they are transitioned out of the program and
families from the extensive waiting list are brought in. Although
food is the foundation of change for food insecure people, more
resources are needed to break the cycle. Education and hygiene
are critical. That is why The Cuenca Foundation creates
opportunities for more stable futures by providing eco-friendly
diaper kits and feminine hygiene kits in tandem with physician-led
workshops. TCF also provides English language classes, increasing
proficiency for those who want to pursue higher education.
Students in the language classes also have the unique opportunity
for bi-weekly language and cultural exchange with the students of
our sister school in New York City. All of these opportunities are
designed to provide a path to food security, stability, and
independence.

Long-Term Impact

Reducing food insecurity positively impacts health both in the
short and in the long term. It diminishes child malnutrition and the
negative physical as well as cognitive impacts that come with it. It
also provides an opportunity for a better future as families can

focus on education, increasing employment opportunities, and
earning ability. These are positive impacts for families as well as
for the community.

Summary

Two million Ecuadorians suffer from severe hunger according to the World Food Program. Food insecurity in Cuenca, Ecuador has been impacted by the mass migration of Venezuelan refugees, COVID, a host of natural disasters, two national strikes, and now extreme drought. This drought is perhaps the greatest challenge yet. Ecuador is dependent on hydroelectric power and without rain there is no electricity. The entire country is experiencing blackouts of 10 - 12 hours every day. Everything from agriculture to industry has been severely impacted and the economy is struggling more than ever. The people at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder have the fewest resources and suffer the most.

The Cuenca Soup Kitchen is committed to providing food and other assistance to families experiencing food insecurity in Cuenca, Ecuador. By addressing food insecurity, CSK provides greater access to health, education, and a more productive future. Because the current crisis has increased the number of people experiencing food insecurity, the number of people on our waiting list continues to increase.

Challenge

Food insecurity creates an often insurmountable burden for families. As a family's resources are dedicated to the daily search for food, education and health often suffer, thereby creating a cycle of poverty and food insecurity for generations to come.

Solution

By providing food kits the Cuenca Soup Kitchen decreases food insecurity, improves health, and gives families the ability to improve their futures. Each applicant is screened and monitored by a social worker. All children must attend school. As applicants reach stability they are transitioned out of the program and families from our waiting list are brought in.

Long-Term Impact

Reducing food insecurity positively impacts health both in the short and in the long term. It diminishes child malnutrition. It also provides opportunity for a better future as families can focus on education, increasing employment opportunities, and earning ability. These are positive impacts for families as well as for the community.