Join The Ramadan Food Drive 2024: Feed-A-Family in Sierra Leone (URGENT APPEAL)
The holy month of Ramadan is the most wonderful time of the year for Muslims in Sierra Leone, but for families in food insecurity, it is also a time of distress. You know it is your duty to fast, and you want to fast, but you also know that when you fast, you may only have palm oil, Maggi, and pepper to go with your rice.
In the recent weeks, everyone's mind has been focused on the kush drug crisis, and they should, but extreme hunger is even more threatening and far-reaching. World Food Program reports that one in every three Sierra Leonean households (28%) is in a state of severe food insecurity. I share it not to make you depressed, but to let you know that a little can go a long way. Together, we can lighten the burden for vulnerable muslim families in Salone.
A household is classified as severely food insecure when at least one adult in the household has reported to have been exposed, at times during the year, to several of the most severe experiences described in the FIES questions, such as to have been forced to reduce the quantity of the food, to have skipped meals, having gone hungry, or having to go for a whole day without eating because of a lack of money or other resources.
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
This Ramadan, I've teamed up with social worker Saufi Tunis for our annual food drive. This is our fourth year working together to feed the needy. Saufi is a community champion, leader, and someone I adore. I can't tell you why, mi heart just take am.
For the last 10 days of Ramadan (which are the most holy), we want to make it easier for Muslim families in Saufi's neighborhood in Portee, East of Freetown, and mine in Banana Wata, on the West of Freetown.
Two years ago, $20 could feed a whole household for the last ten days of Ramadan. But prices continue to skyrocket. In the 12 months between June 2022 and June 2023, the cost of Sierra Leone staple food, rice, went up 39% (local rice) and 53% (imported rice). That's why this year, we need $50 to feed a household of six-eight people a nutritious meal for ten days. It would cost much less to give just rice and the basics, but our people living with hunger need more sustenance, especially as they fast. For $50, we can provide food that is high in protein as we support households with young children who are likely to suffer from malnutrition otherwise.
A gift of $50 to the Ramadan Food Drive will give each family a hearty soup pot. Every household will receive a supply of rice, beans, palm oil, onions, Maggi, salt, chicken, and smoked fish.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE RAMADAN FOOD DRIVE
You can donate here on this website or via Cash App $VickieRemoe or PayPal to info@vickieremoe.com. If you're in Sierra Leone and wish to give directly to Saufi, please give her a call on 079 981935l. The last day to donate is March 30.
