Thrive Global: School Meals Change Lives

Dear Friends,

Because of your generosity, Thrive crossed the 5 million meals milestone in Q1 of 2026. This a testament to what consistent nourishment makes possible for children who deserve every chance to learn and thrive.

Every school day, more than 3,500 children across the Philippines and Bangladesh now receive a hot, nourishing meal through Thrive. Average monthly attendance remains exceptionally strong at 95% across all partner schools, reflecting what teachers tell us daily: when hunger is removed, children show up, stay engaged, and believe in their own potential.

This year also brought a meaningful recognition for our community. Thrive cofounders Gina Gabel and Priscilla Heffelfinger were named to the Inc. 500 Female Founders List for 2026, an honor that traces the arc of a story that began in 2012 in Bangladesh with just 200 children and has grown into a movement serving thousands of students every day. Their recognition is yours too. It reflects the collective belief that school meals, delivered with dignity and consistency, can transform a child’s future.

Your impact is growing in powerful ways

In the Philippines, Thrive is doing more than serving meals. We are now creating meaningful jobs for 19 local mothers who prepare and cook Thrive’s hot lunches each day. For many, this is the first time they have ever received a steady paycheck. It is dignity. It is stability. It is hope.

One of these mothers is Soraya, an mom from Katutubo Village Elementary School. Her children used to go to school hungry, struggling to focus. After Thrive meals began, their attendance and energy soared. Soraya herself is part of the transformation, earning reliable income as a Thrive cook. Her earnings from Thrive enable her to ensure her children have what they need for their day to day school expenses, like school supplies, and socks and undergarmetns for school clothes..It may seem small, but it is much for fammilies who often had to go without such basic needs.

You are building something bigger

When you give to Thrive, you are not only feeding children. You are empowering women and helping communities rise.

Thank you for believing in this work and for standing with us as we grow. We are honored to have you in the Thrive community.

Thrive on!

Links:

• Thrive co-founders named to Inc. Magazine's 2026 Female Founders

Dear Friends,

With of your generosity, Thrive has now served more than 4.8 million school meals—a milestone that represents far more than full stomachs. It represents stronger bodies, sharper minds, and brighter futures for children in Bangladesh and the Philippines.

Every school day, over 3,000 students receive a hot, nourishing meal through Thrive. Across our partner schools, attendance has climbed to 97%, far above national averages. Teachers consistently share how students are more focused, more energetic, and more eager to learn when hunger is no longer standing in their way.

But for this update, we’re excited to share how your impact is growing in a new and powerful direction.

In the Philippines, Thrive is now doing more than serving meals. We’re creating meaningful jobs for local moms who prepare and cook Thrive’s hot lunches each day. For many of these women, this is the first time they’ve ever received a steady paycheck. It’s dignity. It’s stability. It’s hope.

One of these mothers is Nancy, an Aeta mom from Katutubo Village Elementary School. Not long ago, her children often went to school hungry, struggling to focus. After Thrive meals began, their attendance and energy soared. And now, Nancy herself is part of the transformation—earning reliable income as a Thrive cook, providing for her family while nourishing the next generation of Aeta students. Her story is just one example of the ripple effect you’re helping create.

Your support is building something bigger

When you give to Thrive, you’re not only feeding children. You’re strengthening families, empowering women, and helping entire communities rise. This is the kind of change that lasts.

Thank you for believing in this work and for standing with us as we grow. We’re honored to have you in the Thrive community.

Thrive on!

Links:

• Meet Nancy - A Thrive Mom
• Meet Mercy - A Thrive Mom