At VOA, we aim to spread hope, build community, and take a small bite out of hunger by providing a free food to local children every Friday.
Due to ongoing conflict and a lack of humanitarian access, already vulnerable communities, especially children are suffering from malnutrition in Mali.
Nearly a quarter of Mali’s population suffers from food insecurity, with 1 million children under the age of 5 suffering from acute malnutrition. “In total, close to five million children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Mali, including health, nutrition, education, and protection services - as well as access to safe water. The number shows an increase of at least 1.5 million children in need since 2020.” Nearly one million children in Mali at risk of acute malnutrition by the end of 2023 – UNICEF-WFP
VOA relies on donations, local staff, and local volunteers to make sure meals are purchased and served each week. By purchasing locally, VOA also supports food producers and retailers within Bamako. Currently, we are able to provide food, but not full meals, and there are always more children waiting than we can feed. Our goal for 2024 is to expand services to a full meal on Fridays.
With your help, we can continue to offer food items, expand to full meals, and offer these children hope.
Comments