Food For The Poor (FFTP) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are expanding their collaboration to fight hunger and improve access to health care in Guatemala through two new initiatives: rice shipments to feed vulnerable families and funding for a vital medical project serving rural communities.
FFTP and the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced an agreement to distribute 990 metric tons of lifesaving rice to hungry families in Guatemala.
The donation, equivalent to 55 tractor-trailer loads or shipping containers, will be delivered monthly beginning this month and continuing through December.
The agreement was announced during a ceremony in El Tablón, Guatemala, led by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Vivia Chun-Fei Chang, and attended by officials from FFTP and its partners, Cáritas Arquidiocesana and the Order of Malta.
Women from some of the families in Guatemala who will benefit from the rice donation attended the ceremony and expressed their gratitude.
FFTP’s partnership with the Taiwanese government and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund dates back to 2007. This is the second year FFTP has received rice donations for Guatemala from Taiwan.
“We have a sustained and successful relationship with the government of Taiwan and the TaiwanICDF for more than 20 years now,” said Mark Khouri, FFTP Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “I’m honored to be here to witness this relationship flourish and grow and reach those in need in this wonderful country.”
“We are convinced that these kind of alliances between NGOs and public sectors of the United States, Taiwan, and Guatemala are a clear example of strong solidarity,” Ambassador Chang said.
Distribution of the rice will be managed by Cáritas Arquidiocesana and The Order of Malta through their feeding and nutrition programs.
“I’m so glad and our Lord must be so, too,” said the Rev. Fr. Aarón Tello, Archdiocesan Delegate and General Director of Cáritas Arquidiocesana. “It’s wonderful to see the women from this community in particular, beautiful exemplary hardworking mothers that have given incredible efforts to their community and now they receive not only sustainment but hope to keep on going.”
“Taiwan’s greatness is not only measured in their giant achievements in technology and modern social development, but truly the spirit of their people is deeply humane and this day that spirit is felt between us,” said Enrique Hegel, President of The Order of Malta in Guatemala. “I thank Food For The Poor and Ambassador Chang for the opportunity of sharing this great combined effort to do God’s will.”
In a separate announcement on Tuesday, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) committed funding to FFTP for a lifesaving medical project to address the critical health care needs of impoverished families in Guatemala.
In collaboration with Cáritas Arquidiocesana and the Health Coverage Extension Program from Guatemala’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, FFTP will provide health services to approximately 10,000 families in rural areas.
This initiative is critical in a country where more than half the population lives below the poverty line, with 23 percent living in extreme poverty. Chronic malnutrition affects nearly half of children under age 5, and rural families often lack access to affordable, quality health care.
The project will include the following components:
- Medical equipment for dental prophylaxis, pediatrics, and general medicine
- Medications and supplies
- Support for medical staff, including a general physician, two pediatricians, a nutritionist, a dentist, and a social worker technician
