When some people think of hunger and poverty, they picture people struggling in different parts of the world – many of the countries where Heifer is already working. Very rarely do we picture families and individuals that are living in the United States, but it is a reality we need to recognize.
Many Americans are just one major illness or job loss away from sliding below the poverty line, and millions are already there. Roughly 46 million people in the United States live below the official poverty line. One in every five children in the country is food insecure, meaning he or she may have to forgo nutritious foods or meals all together because there’s not enough money to pay for them.
I think we overlook the poverty here in the U.S. because it is difficult to accept and it is even embarrassing. With all the abundance of resources we have, why are people still hungry? Whatever the reason is – perhaps lack of knowledge or lack of access – it is undeniable that families are struggling.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. And it is not a problem that “someone else” can fix. I want to ensure that we rid the world of hunger and poverty, and sometimes that means that the work starts at home.
I’ve received many letters or met with donors that have asked me how they can support Heifer’s work in the United States. Heifer USA recently kicked off Seeds of Change, a five-year project to support and cultivate sustainable community food systems and create jobs in Arkansas and Appalachia. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other partners, Heifer USA will build a food system value chain that connects farmers with businesses , markets and their communities. I’m so excited about the outcomes from this project and most important is that this project links healthy local food and meaningful work.
Photograph by Russell Powell, courtesy of Heifer International
Now this work will not happen overnight. It will take a lot of time, dedication and effort – from ourselves and from our participants – but change is coming.
Hunger and poverty aren’t tomorrow’s problems. We need to address them today, and with your support we can help families and individuals in need become empowered, self-reliant and economically stable.
I invite you to read the latest issue of the World Ark to read more about Heifer’s work in the United States and how you can support Heifer USA’s Seeds of Change.
Is there a Heifer Project in California? I would like to help Americans get their own people out of poverty. Before the government stuck its nose into everything, people who had money and resources helped locally to see that others didn’t go without and I would like to get back to that concept here in America. If each of us can help 300 people in our own communities get off drugs, find a job, feed themselves, and prosper, then America will continue to be the wonderful country that it is now. So, if there is a Heifer Project say between Los Angeles and the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo), I’d be interested in getting involved in it.
Ramona, thank you for your comment and for your enthusiasm to give back to your community and empower others to achieve better lives.
Heifer is currently focusing its work in the US in areas where we believe we can have the most impact – the Arkansas Delta and the mountains of Appalachia. We recognize that there is great need around the US; however, our funding is limited, so we have prioritized these two areas and are working to help build sustainable food systems for the most marginalized communities in these areas.
However, Heifer does have California-based volunteers who promote the global work of Heifer through educational presentations and fundraising activities. If interested, you can contact our volunteer coordinator, Frances Hale, based in Huntington Beach, at frances.hale@heifer.org for information.
If you’re looking for direct involvement to impact your community, you can also contact the local offices of nonprofits such as United Way, Salvation Army, Red Cross and so many more.
Heifer’s mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth and we know we can’t do it alone. I thank you for taking the initiative and for offering to help others – we will impact this world and we can start in our own communities.