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Freedom from Hunger facts for kids

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Freedom from Hunger
Non-profit
Founded 1946
Headquarters Davis, California, United States
Key people
Steve Hollingworth
Services Microfinance
Public Health
Ending Poverty

Freedom from Hunger was an organization that helped people escape poverty and hunger. It started in 1946 and later became part of the Grameen Foundation. This group worked in many countries around the world.

Their main goal was to help women who were struggling. They did this by giving them small loans to start businesses. They also taught them important business skills. This helped women earn money and support their families.

How Freedom from Hunger Started and Grew

Freedom from Hunger began its journey in 1946. It was first known as "Meals for Millions." Their very first big project was creating something called Multi-Purpose Food.

Multi-Purpose Food: A Special Help

Multi-Purpose Food was a special powdered food. It had lots of protein, which is important for staying healthy. This food was designed to help people who didn't have enough to eat. Even today, this type of high-protein food is used in many places to help people in need.

Helping Moms and Kids Stay Healthy

In the 1970s, Freedom from Hunger started new programs. These programs focused on the health and nutrition of mothers and their children. They taught families how to eat well and stay healthy. This was a big step in helping communities grow stronger.

Small Loans, Big Changes

By 1988, Freedom from Hunger created something new. They combined small loans, called microcredit, with health and nutrition lessons. Microcredit means giving very small loans to people who don't have much money. These loans help them start small businesses. This was the first time an organization put these two ideas together. It helped many women improve their lives and their families' health.

Freedom from Hunger Day: A Special Recognition

In October 2006, something special happened in Yolo County, California. The local government leaders decided to make September 28 a special day. They called it Freedom from Hunger Day.

This day was created to celebrate Freedom from Hunger's 60 years of work. It honored how they helped people fight hunger. They did this through programs that taught people to help themselves. These programs also respected the dignity of women and families living in poverty. The State of California also made September 28 an official day of awareness. This event even won an award for public relations in the Sacramento area.

Other Organizations Helping with Hunger

Many groups work to end hunger and poverty around the world. Here are a few examples:

  • Bread for the World: This is a Christian group in the United States. They work to get justice for hungry people. They do this by talking to lawmakers and asking for changes.
  • Empty Bowls: This project helps raise money to fight hunger. People make ceramic bowls and then serve a simple meal. Guests get a bowl and a meal for a small donation. The money collected goes to organizations that fight hunger.
  • World Food Programme: This organization works to make sure hunger is a top issue for world leaders. They create plans and actions that directly help poor and hungry people.
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