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 also impacts education, employment, and hygiene. The people at
the bottom of the socio-economic ladder have the fewest resources and suffer the most from
these far reaching impacts.
By addressing food insecurity, The Cuenca foundation (TCF) provides greater access to health,
education, and more productive futures. Providing food security is a challenge given the
ongoing threat of drought, the negative impact of drug cartels, as well as the residual effects of
the pandemic and nationwide strikes.
Challenge
Food insecurity creates an often insurmountable burden for families. In addition, 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
Each applicant is screened and monitored by a social worker in order to focus and make the
most of limited resources.
First, by providing food kits the Cuenca Foundation decreases food insecurity, improves health,
and gives families the time, energy, and ability to improve their futures.
Second, all children served by TCF must attend school. TCF provides school supplies for all
children. The TCF EmpowerEd program provides free English language instruction to students
who have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to this program. All instructors have
been specially trained in teaching English as a second language. English is required in order for
students to access free higher education. It also significantly increases their ability to be hired in
an ever more touristic city.
Third, TCF supports hygiene and sexual education through physician-led educational
workshops which address reproductive information for mothers and daughters, a format that
often uncovers and subsequently provides support for victims of sexual abuse. All attendees are
given reusable, eco-friendly feminine hygiene kits. A separate series of physician-led workshops
address newborn and early childhood care. Each participant receives a reusable, eco-friendly
diaper kit which eliminates the cost of diapers for these economically vulnerable families.
As beneficiaries reach stability they are transitioned out of the program and families from the
extensive waiting list are brought in.

Long-Term Impact
Reducing food insecurity positively impacts health both in the short and in the long term by
diminishing child malnutrition. It also provides opportunity for a better future as families can
focus on education, increasing employment opportunities, and earning