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.

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.