FAQs

• Why is the Food Security Gifts of Compassion™ an urgent need?

  Over 238 million people are facing life-threatening acute food insecurity. Compassion’s 8,600 local church partners across over 25 countries are responding to the global food crisis. You can help them provide urgent food packs and long-term food security by purchasing a Food Security GIFTSOFCOMPASSION™.

  As food prices climb, so do hunger and malnutrition in young children. The impact of childhood malnutrition is catastrophic and has both short- and long-term effects. The increased risks caused by malnutrition include:  

  • Diabetes, cardiovascular problems and cancer later in life
  • Growth stunting and wasting
  • Poor academic performance and intellectual development
  • Increased prevalence of attention deficit disorders
  • Child marriage (as girls are offered in marriage arrangements for dowries that will feed their families)
  • Child labour (as children leave school early to support their families)
  • Premature death 

  When you purchase a Food Security GIFTSOFCOMPASSION™, your gift will help to provide sustainable sources of food for families affected by this crisis.

  To make a global difference you can:

  • Give a Food Security GIFTSOFCOMPASSION™
  • Learn more about GIFTSOFCOMPASSION™
• Does distributing food packages or sending cash transfers create dependency? 

  Compassion’s National Offices and local church partners work to set appropriate expectations with families so they understand the short-term nature of aid. The primary goal of Compassion's response is to reduce the impact of the global food crisis on families in poverty, and short-term aid is a critical part of this strategy.  

  In the transition out of short-term relief and toward long-term development work, families are empowered with ways to be self-sufficient through strategies like income generation activities, vocational training and financial management workshops.

• How is the global food crisis affecting children in poverty?

  As food prices climb, so do hunger and malnutrition in young children. The impact of childhood malnutrition is catastrophic and has both short and long-term effects. The increased risks caused by malnutrition include:  

  • Diabetes, cardiovascular problems and cancer later in life

  • Growth stunting and wasting

  • Poor academic performance and intellectual development

  • Increased prevalence of attention deficit disorders  

  • Child marriage, as girls are offered in marriage arrangements for dowries that will feed their families

  • Child labour, as children leave school early to support their families

  • Premature death 

• How is Compassion helping children facing hunger during the global food crisis?

  Compassion’s 8,500 local church partners across over 25 countries are already responding to the global food crisis. They are equipped to provide routine health screenings for children so they can respond immediately to new or developing nutritional needs. In most cases, participants receive health support before wasting, stunting or severe malnutrition occur.

  To meet the changing needs of children and families facing increased food insecurity, our local church partners will respond in two ways:

  1. Provide immediate food packages and/or unconditional cash transfers to households deemed vulnerable to food insecurity. This includes children and families in Compassion’s program, local church partner staff, pastors and community members.

  2. Provide long-term food security through distributing seeds, fertiliser, livestock and training on how to build and maintain home gardens and small-scale farms.

  Despite the global food crisis, programming will continue as normally as possible at Compassion centres, aligned with local COVID-19 guidelines. If there is violence or political unrest, each country’s national office will modify the delivery of the program to best serve the participants.   

• How can I be praying for children and their families during the global food crisis?

  Thank you for joining us in prayer for those affected by food insecurity.

  • Pray for the provision of nutritious food for the children and families we serve.
  • Pray for protection and relief from extreme weather events.
  • Pray for peace and stability for those experiencing violence, unrest, war and displacement.
  • Pray for a globally productive growing season.
  • Pray for strength and wisdom for staff and local partners as they respond to the needs around them.