‘Miracle’ of nutrition support brings hope to schoolchildren in Haiti

The sponsor site used to be on the countryside edge of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Their orphanage, school, and clinic were all on-site. However, political violence and gang warfare began causing daily struggles for families, creating fear and instability. Food prices skyrocketed, climbing over 80% in just three years because gangs dictate who moves and what food reaches the market.

The site had no choice. They relocated to a safer area in Port-au-Prince, assisted by Chalice. But they immediately faced a much higher cost of living. They had to find ways to feed, clothe, and equip their 80+ children and staff. Gradually, sponsored children who live with their families followed the orphanage into the city. These families also faced a sharp increase in day-to-day costs.

“Food is really, really, really expensive in Haiti,” says Wendell, a leader in the site, “and the most important food that they can provide themselves is rice and beans most of the time, sometimes pasta in the morning and then rice and beans in the afternoon if they are able to.”

But the price for both rice and beans rose steadily, soon doubling, because Haiti must import them. Most of the children in the orphanage and in the community only ate one meal per day.

Wendell and his team reached out to Chalice to request nutrition support. Thanks to everyone who supported our program, 216 families had the funds they needed to stock up on staples and nutritious foods that are usually outside their budget. They can afford to feed their children a varied diet, including fruits and vegetables.

“Being able to continue going to school and to have even a meal per day, it’s a miracle in Haiti,” Wendell says. “So, every time we contact sponsored families and say, ‘there’s money available for you, for your children,’ it’s a blessing.”

“It’s a blessing. And this is the reason why we want to thank the donors. What you’re doing in Haiti deeply matters.”