As of the Spring of 2021, the virus is at its most deadly moment in South Asia.
For many in South Asia and around the world, the other top concern during lockdowns is being unable to pay for or access food. Our leaders in South Asia have been organizing safe food distributions.
In Harvest Bridge’s work we have always specifically supported those who have done much with little, those who understand and respond to the needs of their communities, and are committed to demonstrating love in the hardest of circumstances. We have a network of hundreds of trusted local community leaders, many of whom have carried out effective disaster relief projects over the years. These men and women didn’t wait for additional funding to spring into action. Even while they struggle themselves, since March 2020 they’ve organized programs to safely get food into the hands of those who most need it. They’ve been quick to identify who is being overlooked in receiving government aid because of racial, caste, or religious biases. They’ve conveyed accurate information from the WHO to their communities, working to educate people as superstition and misinformation run rampant.
In a time when travel is vastly restricted and local expertise is essential in addressing urgent needs, Harvest Bridge is optimally positioned to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In 2020, well over 21,000 people received life-saving food supplies. With your help, they can serve thousands more.
One local leader in Bihar, India explains who is prioritized in distributions:
“The distributions took place in different communities instead of in just one big community, which helped us specifically reach the neediest people. In some cases, food packets were prepared and transported by a truck to villages hundreds of miles from major cities. The beneficiaries were the flood victims, migrant workers, agricultural workers, elderly, widows, farmers, unemployed etc. Mostly from Dalit caste [also known as “untouchables”]. People from all faiths, like Hindus, Muslims, and Christians were helped. About 1,800 people at six different locations received help from these relief projects. The food ration distribution, in such a flood and pandemic situation, has brought some relief and smiles to the beneficiaries.”
In Myanmar it costs about $100 to feed a family of five for one month. In Nepal, India, and Bangladesh it’s about $50 per family.
On average, it costs $10-$20 to provide nutritious food to an individual for a full month. This is with all costs included – transportation, storage, safe distribution methods, etc.
A gift of $100 can provide life saving food to between 5 and 10 people.
A gift of $1000 can help between 50-100 men, women, and children.
Your support of any amount makes a major impact in the hands of local leaders who are experienced in disaster relief, understand their local needs and resources, and are committed to helping the most vulnerable.
You can give below, or send a check to:
Harvest Bridge
P.O. Box 284
Grove City, PA 16127
