Guatemala (MNN) — The global economic crisis created a global food crisis. Unfortunately, that situation is only going to get worse, according to experts. Despite being a top exporter of agricultural products, half of its population (14 million) live in extreme poverty. That spells malnutrition because of a failed global food system.
According to a report from Oxfam, Guatemala is a prime example. The report suggests that the average price of staple foods will double by 2030. The research predicts that the international prices of key staples will more than double in the next 20 years, raising "the prospect of a wholesale reversal in human development."
That's why organizations like Medical Teams International are getting involved to help. The organization's president Bas Vanderzalm just returned from Guatemala where he visited a village in whih 80% of the population was malnourished. Vanderzalm says children face serious issues. "If there isn't something that we do to help them before they turn two, they'll spend their entire lives limited and stunted both in terms of physical growth and also mental development."
Medical Teams International established a community health and nutrition project in partnership with Food for the Hungry. The project provides training in health services training, water and sanitation, and food production.
Vanderzalm says, "We work through local churches. The pastors are involved. By being loving, gracious, and caring for these basic needs while doing what we can to help children, whole families wind up coming to a faith in Christ as a result of experiencing God's grace in this very concrete way."
For as little as $18, you can provide everything needed for a child to survive. As you give monthly, you can help 12 children.
According to Vanderzalm, "By working there and improving the conditions in these villages, in about three years we can move on and again work with churches and help villages get what they need in terms of water, sanitation and food–and move on again."
The villages will be forever changed because the training they receive will be shared from generation to generation.
If you'd like to help Medical Teams International with this program, click here.
