MARY’S MEALS: The rising price of food and fuel means that the cost to feed a child is going up

Until 31 January 2023, donations will be matched by a group of generous supporters – up to £1.5 million.

Dear Bill,

Ekai is trying to dig his well even deeper. After four failed rainy seasons and the worst drought in 40 years, many people in Turkana, Kenya, are desperately burrowing into dry riverbeds in search of water.

“My animals are dying and soon my people will die too,” Ekai says to me, looking at his son Elar.

Today in Turkana, two million children are already acutely malnourished. More than ever here, Mary’s Meals is a lifeline. It is the promise of our meals that draws them in and – along with the education they receive – keeps hope alive of a better future.

However, our promise is being tested like never before. The rising price of food and fuel means that the cost to feed a child is going up. As a result, currently the sums don’t add up.

For 20 years, we have been asking you for help to reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals. But first and foremost, I ask you to help us to keep the promise we have made to more than 2.2 million children already receiving our meals. And I do this whilst being painfully aware that rising costs are not only putting strain on families in places like Turkana, but that you too may be facing financial challenges.

Please, if you can, consider joining Ekai in digging a little deeper and making a donation that will help us to keep serving the meals on which so many young lives depend. And remember, thanks to Double The Love, donations made to Mary’s Meals until 31 January 2023 are being matched by a group of generous supporters – up to £1.5 million. So, your kindness will go even further.

And if you are not in a position to support financially, there are other ways you can help – telling other people about Mary’s Meals, volunteering your time, or praying for all those hungry families.

On behalf of Ekai, his family, and thousands of others in which hope remains alive because of these life-changing meals you help us to serve, I wish you a very happy and blessed Christmas when it comes.

Warm wishes,