Feed the Children facts for kids
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Founded | 1979 |
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Type | Nonprofit 501(c)(3) |
Focus | Delivers food, daily essentials, vitamins and other necessities to children and families who lack these items due to famine, poverty, or natural disaster. |
Headquarters | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
Area served
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United States and Internationally |
Key people
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Travis Arnold, president and CEO |
Website | www.feedthechildren.org |
Feed the Children is a non-profit group that started in 1979. Its main office is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This organization works to help children and families who don't have enough food or other important things.
Their goal is to give "hope and resources for those without life's essentials." They provide food, everyday items, school supplies, and help after disasters. Feed the Children helps people across the United States and in 8 other countries. In the U.S., they have five main centers that send out supplies. These centers are in Oklahoma, Indiana, California, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
In 2021, Feed the Children gave out over 91 million pounds of food and supplies in the U.S. Around the world, their programs helped 2 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These programs focused on food, clean water, and ways for families to earn a living. The organization is recognized by groups like GuideStar Exchange for being a good charity.
Contents
Helping Families in the U.S.
Feed the Children's programs in the United States focus on getting and giving out food and other donated goods. They work with local groups and food banks across the country. In 2021, they provided 91.5 million pounds of food and other items.
Teacher Stores: Free School Supplies
Feed the Children also runs "Teacher Stores" at their main centers. These stores offer free school supplies, books, and healthy snacks to teachers. These teachers work in schools where many students come from low-income families.
Through a partnership, Feed the Children has given out over one million "H.E.L.P." backpacks. These backpacks contain school supplies, food, and personal care items. They are given to children who are at risk or experiencing homelessness in U.S. public schools. In 2021, teachers visited the "Teacher Stores" almost 30,000 times.
Global Programs and Support
Feed the Children works in many countries to help children and families. They have big hopes for the future of these communities.
Goals for Children Worldwide
- All children will be healthy and well-fed by age five. They will also learn about healthy eating for life.
- All children will have access to clean water and good hygiene. This helps them stay healthy as they grow up.
- All children will be able to go to school and get a good education. This helps them learn throughout their lives.
- Families will be able to support themselves and help their communities grow stronger.
International Projects and Impact
Feed the Children supports projects like medical trips and a children's home in Honduras. In Malawi, they have greatly expanded their work. They provide a special fortified porridge called VitaMeal to 50,000 orphans and young children.
In 2015, Feed the Children gained a special role with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This means they can share their ideas and help with global discussions. In 2017, they received a large grant of over $19 million from USAID. This money is for a project called Tiwalere II in Malawi. This project aims to improve the health of young children and pregnant women. It also helps mothers and teenage girls in ten districts of Malawi.
Disaster Relief Efforts
Feed the Children helps people when natural disasters strike. They provide important supplies to those affected.
Responding to Major Disasters
When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Feed the Children sent over 650 large trucks. These trucks carried more than 20,000 tons of food and relief items. After the September 11, 2001, attacks and the 2004 tsunami, they sent over 15,500 tons of supplies.
In recent years, Feed the Children has responded to floods in Louisiana, Virginia, and West Virginia. They also helped after Hurricane Matthew. They gave out $3.4 million worth of food and other essentials in the U.S. In other countries, they taught over 32,000 people about disaster preparedness. They also gave food, water, and tarps to 57,000 individuals.
How Feed the Children Uses Donations
It's important to know how charities use the money they receive.
Financial Overview
According to their 2021 report, Feed the Children used 94% of its budget for programs. These programs include childcare, food, medical aid, disaster relief, education, and community development. Only 3% went to fundraising and 3% to management.
In 2022, Forbes magazine ranked Feed the Children as one of the largest charities in the United States.
Current Leaders of the Organization
Feed the Children has a team of leaders who guide their work.
Leadership Team
On November 15, 2016, Travis Arnold became the interim CEO. In early 2017, he was officially named the president and CEO. He still holds these positions today.
In August 2020, Bregeita Jefferson was announced as the new chief international operations, finance, and compliance officer.