This Ramadan, I've teamed up with social worker Suafiatu Tunis for our annual food drive. This is our fifth 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.

Three 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).

In 2024, the World Food Program reported that 8 out of every 10 Sierra Leonean is food insecure. In neighbouring Liberia, their situation is less dire, only about half of the population is food insecure. 

That's why this year, we need $50 to feed a household of 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.

You can donate to feed one household, or you can donate to feed a whole street. A gift of $500 will feed ten families on one street. You can feed multiple families or streets.

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.

If you’re donating in Sierra Leone, please send your gift to the Ramadan Food Drive via Orange Money +232 79 981935.