Frequently Asked Questions – General Mission Trips

What does it cost?

• The cost of the mission trip land package to all of our Caribbean and Latin American destinations is $1,150 per person (subject to change).
• Domestic and international airfare is not included.

What does the International Land Package include?

• Ground transportation in the destination country
• Accommodations (4 nights – double occupancy)
• All meals
• Security
• Food For The Poor Florida group leader(s)
• In-Country Partner group leader(s)
• Translator, if needed
• Two Food For The Poor t-shirts

What will we do?

General mission trips include hands-on experiences. You may participate in activities such as:

• Painting a house or a school
• Serving a meal
• Distributing care packages
• Interacting with children, the elderly, and people with special needs
• Building a house (Jamaica only)

How do I sign-up for a mission trip?

• Decide which trip(s) you are interested in. For summer trips, we strongly recommend that you register as soon as possible as this is the most frequently requested time for travel.
• Contact FFTP Missions: fill out the Ready to Travel form, send an email to [email protected], or call (800) 568-8124.
• Complete the FFTP Travel Forms sent to you by our Missions Department.
• Make the $100 non-refundable deposit as directed in the Travel Forms to reserve your spot in the mission group.

What about my safety?

• Our first priority will always be your safety.
• Food For The Poor’s policy is to provide security for each mission trip.

What about COVID-19?

• Food For The Poor mission trips follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 (which are subject to change). We also ask all of travelers to wear face masks at the airport and on the airplane.
• Many of our destination countries require face masks in public places. Mission travelers must agree to comply with these requirements and wear face masks accordingly.
• Destination countries have different entry requirements. Please look-up the requirements for your country of choice:  US State Dept or Sherpa

What about vaccinations?

• FFTP does not require any vaccinations to participate in our mission trips.
• COVID-19 vaccination depends on the destination country’s entry requirements and re-entry requirements for the U.S. (subject to change)
• We recommend you go to www.cdc.gov for more information.
• You may also want to check with your own doctor prior to traveling.

Do I need a valid U.S. passport?

• Yes! Your passport must be valid through the return date of the mission trip. Some countries also require that your passport be valid for 6 months after the return travel date. Check country requirements.
• If you do not yet have a current U.S. passport, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport.
• Passports have been taking a very long time to process recently. Make sure to apply for your passport well in advance of travel.
• If you have a passport from a country other than the U.S., you will need to check the visa requirements for the destination country.

Where will we stay?

• Accommodations will be at a safe and secure hotel or retreat center.
• The cost of the trip includes sharing a room.
  • If you prefer a single room, there will be an additional charge.

What kind of transportation is provided?

Throughout the trip, we will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, driven by an experienced driver.

What kind of clothing should I bring?

• Out of respect for the local people, plan to wear lightweight, long pants (capri pants are okay) and short-sleeved shirts (no tank tops) during the day.
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also a must during the day.
• The attire is more casual in the evening.

Is insurance provided?

• You are responsible for your own health and accident insurance while traveling overseas. Food For The Poor does NOT provide this coverage. Please check with your insurance provider to determine international coverage.
• We recommend that you purchase trip insurance which may cover expenses in the event that you have to cancel your trip, your luggage is lost, etc.
• Food For The Poor does provide emergency evacuation for medical emergencies, natural disasters, and civil unrest.
  • The insurance company must deem the situation an emergency in order to provide coverage.

How much money should I bring?

• United States currency is acceptable at most tourist shops, hotels, and airports.
• You may want to bring some cash in small denominations for any local tipping or small purchases.
• Depending on your destination, you may be required to pay a tax in cash upon entry or departure.
• If you pay in cash, you may receive change in the local currency.
• We recommend that you bring a credit card for any unexpected expenses.

Is it okay to bring gifts?

Bringing gifts is optional. If you would like to bring donations, we recommend school supplies, hygiene items, clothing, small toys, jump ropes, and soccer balls with pumps, etc.

What if I don’t speak the language?

Your group leader or in-country representative will translate for you. Also, remember that a smile and a hug will transcend all language barriers!

Will there be prayer during the trip?

Prayer and reflection are an important part of the mission experience. During your visits, you may participate in prayers with your mission group as well as the local people.

Is my mission trip payment tax-deductible?

• Food For The Poor does not provide end-of-year tax receipts for mission trips.
• The expenses paid for your mission trip may be tax-deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Please consult your accountant or tax advisor for more information.

What is the Payment / Cancellation Policy?

• A non-refundable $100 deposit is due with your application.
• The balance of your land package is due 60 days prior to departure.
• FFTP will notify you when to purchase your airline tickets. Do not book any flights until you receive this information from the Missions Department
• Be aware that we sometimes find it necessary to divert a group to another destination due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event that this occurs, you will be advised as soon as possible. Space on all trips is subject to availability and dates are subject to change.
• In the rare and unlikely event that Food For The Poor (FFTP) has to cancel a mission trip, the total amount paid to FFTP may be refunded (including the deposit).
• If the cancellation is at the request of the participant or is a result of non-payment by the due date, any deposit or mission trip fees paid by the participant may be applied to another FFTP mission trip to be booked within 12 months.