Help Feed Hundreds of Hungry People

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, and two national strikes. In addition, the United
Nations says that poverty is a root cause of the surging violence and
insecurity in Ecuador and the UN calls for an increased investment in
education, healthcare and social protection. By addressing food insecurity,
access to education, and hygiene, the Cuenca Soup Kitchen works to
provide 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. All of
this takes place against the backdrop of increasing violence.
Ecuador is now ranked as the least safe country in Latin America
(Gallup).

Solution
By providing food kits the Cuenca Soup Kitchen decreases food
insecurity, improves health, gives families the ability to improve
their futures, thereby reducing some of the problems fueling
increased violence in Ecuador. Each applicant is screened and
monitored by a social worker. All children are required to attend
school. As applicants reach stability they are transitioned out of

the program and families from our waiting list take their place.

Long-Term Impact

Reducing food insecurity positively impacts health both in the
short and in the long term. It decreases the child malnutrition rate
of 27%, the second highest rate in Latin America (World Food
Programme). 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.

Although the Cuenca Soup Kitchen maintains its focus on distributing tons of food to the needy and vulnerable in Cuenca, Ecuador, we realize that there are other elements that impact our beneficiaries. Chief among these is the need for education in order to break the cycle of poverty. This is why we stipulate that all children in the program be enrolled in school. This requires us to make it possible for them to attend school. We know that when there is food on the table, children can be in school rather than working to help the family survive. We also know that when children are given the school supplies required, they are more likely to succeed. Finally it is clear that education and the self-worth that education gives, provide future opportunities. It is important that we instill a joy for learning and an understanding of its value in our beneficiaries. This is why we celebrate education with every child in our program. In addition to school supplies, each child receives a fresh haircut and special sweet treats prepared by our volunteers. Our committment to the education of the children in our program is bearing fruit. By valuing education and providing the resources needed to invest in education, the Cuenca Soup Kitchen continues to positively impact the future for vulnerable families in Cuenca, Ecuador.