What Has the Church Done in 2023 to Feed the Hungry?
In 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has focused efforts and funding toward feeding the hungry around the world. To learn more, click the button below.
How the Church’s donation to the World Food Programme is blessing refugees in Kenya.
In 2023, the Church worked to reduce poverty and increase food security and access to clean water, sanitation facilities, education, and medical services across Africa. This work is building a better foundation for the communities served and reflects our commitment to address basic needs and preserve human dignity.
Humanitarian projects
In Africa, 57 clean water, hygiene, and sanitation projects and 131 food security and nutrition projects were completed in 2023.
—Evelyn Mere, Director of Programmes, WaterAid Nigeria
Food and Clean Water Access
In Kenya, the Church collaborated with BOMA, a nonprofit that aims to:
- Improve food security and nutrition
- Foster sustainable livelihoods
- Train beneficiaries on financial shock preparedness
- Support education
Kitchen Gardens
More than 1,000 participants received training in setting up “kitchen gardens,” where their communities can source locally grown vegetables. This resulted in 204 gardens that are now providing households with access to nutritious foods.
Increasing Access to Clean Water
In Hhohho, Eswatini, the Church and WaterAid worked together to bring clean water to over 1,200 people in the community. The project included a hydrogeological survey and provided construction, labor, and machinery, resulting in two solar-powered water systems.
The Church of Jesus Christ donates to provide sight saving cataract surgeries in Ghana. Photo courtesy of Daybreak Vision Project.
Learn more about the Church’s humanitarian work in Africa in 2023.
Education
In the remote village of Ngaremara, Kenya, the Church worked with BOMA to facilitate entrepreneurship for local women, providing them with a sustained source of income for their families and a way to increase their status in their communities. Through mentorship and training, the women learned how to understand the cost of goods in the market. For instance, they learned to buy supplies in large quantities to reduce frequent transportation costs and increase their profits.
Healthcare and Disabilities
Medical Equipment Donations
In Abuja, Nigeria, the Church donated medical equipment to the Federal Medical Center, including:
- Dialysis machines and chairs
- Baby incubators and cots
- Hospital beds
- Patient monitors
Additionally, the Church helped build a reverse osmosis water plant for the dialysis unit with clean water.
Training in Newborn Care
The Church also prioritized training for newborn and maternal care, working with the local government in Enugu, Nigeria, to provide hands-on training in newborn resuscitation and other skills. In addition, the Church worked with UNICEF to co-create mentorship programs in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia, establishing learning hubs to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care.
A New Healthcare Facility
Outside of Harare in Zimbabwe, volunteers finished construction of a new clinic with bathrooms and showers. Church personnel coordinated with the local health ministry to improve housing for the clinic staff and provide clean water through a solar-powered borehole. Over 3,500 community members in Rwizi benefited from this effort.
A woman shows her market stall during President Camille N. Johnson’s of the General Relief Society presidency and Bonnie H. Cordon’s of the General Young Women’s presidency ministry visits in Africa.
Blessing Not One, But Many
Raphael is a farmer in Zambia who struggled with low yields in his onion fields, as well as frequent problems with pests and diseases. Through iDE (International Development Enterprises) in Zambia—with support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Raphael was able to receive training about sustainable development techniques that could increase his production of onions and other profitable crops. iDE also provided onion seeds and helped install a drip irrigation kit in his field.
With this help, Raphael has improved crop production and resistance to pests. He was so successful that he was selected by iDE Zambia to train other farmers on the production of onions, tomatoes, groundnuts, and other crops—thereby enabling him to bless others with increased access to food and income.
What Can I Do?
- Participate in a community gardening project.
- Talk to your local school about ongoing needs.
- Teach someone what you know about caring for a newborn (or learn more yourself).