Team Hope - A Healthy Meal is the Foundation for Dreams

In Haiti, countless children face the daily struggle of hunger and malnutrition. The dire circumstances they endure are unimaginable. Sadly, many children in Haiti are deprived of the basic necessity of a plate of food which hinders their growth, health, and opportunities for a brighter tomorrow. But, when children are a part of our schools or partner schools, they receive a healthy meal each day. We’re thankful to share that thousands of our students have returned to school, and amidst the challenges we’ve recently shared, our nutrition program is continuing to serve our partners across the country.

That meal is the foundation for dreams—the fuel that drives progress, and the hope that gives children the chance to thrive.

Below are stories from four friends in Haiti—a child, a mom, a teacher, and a school director—on how they have personally experienced the difference a meal makes for a child.

child
I am Dawoodson*—I am 14 years old, and I am in the 8th grade. I have been going to my school since 2011. It is in the mountains of Haiti. My father has passed away, and I live with my mom. She is a small merchant. I see her work very hard. I’m thankful for the food I get at school because it gives me the energy I need to study and complete my lessons and my homework. Knowing I will get a good meal also motivates me to go to school.

mom
I am Zorada*—I have a job, but the money I make is not enough to give both of my two children all they need. It’s very difficult. The meals my kids receive at school take a big burden off of my shoulders as I work hard to provide for their other needs. It’s a nutritional support for them and an economic support for me. I am so thankful they are developing physically and mentally at school. I pray for MOH and thank you all for the precious food you give to the children in Haiti.

I am Myrlande*—a teacher at a MOH partner school in the mountains. I’ve been teaching here since 2016. Before the school received food from MOH, I saw how the kids were having difficulty learning and staying motivated. Now, the environment is completely different. I can see first-hand how the presence of nutritious foods changes the situation for a child and their family. Thank you, thank you!

I am Jean Pierre*, the Director at a partner school of MOH. Since my school started receiving food from MOH in 2018, I have noticed:

Children’s test scores have improved
More children are enrolling in school
The number of absences has been reduced
Motivation has increased in the classroom

Nutrition makes a real difference!

As you read in the stories above, a meal for a child has a ripple effect and changes families, classrooms, and schools. Imagine the joy in a child's eyes when they receive a warm, filling meal—the energy it brings, the hope it ignites, and the belief that someone out there cares. When you give to Mission of Hope, your generosity has the power to break the cycle of hunger and offer a child a chance at a better future. When you join Team Hope, every dollar you give goes directly toward providing healthy meals to a child on our waitlist. You will provide meals to those who need them most, nourishing their bodies and empowering their minds to focus on education, growth, and dreams.

*Names changed for security reasons.

Jan 5, 2024