Agriculture

Agriculture
Empowering Families while strengthening communities

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BUILDING LOCAL FOOD SELF-RELIANCE IS CORE PILLAR OF OUR MISSION

Importing food for hunger relief programs in Latin America, while often necessary during emergencies, can inadvertently create long-term challenges for local communities. One of the primary concerns is that large-scale food imports—especially when distributed for free—can undercut local farmers and distort local markets. When people receive food aid instead of buying from local producers, demand for locally grown crops drops, leaving farmers without buyers for their harvests. This discourages production, drives down income, and weakens rural economies that are already fragile. Over time, this dynamic can erode local food systems, making communities more vulnerable to future crises.

Moreover, the continuous flow of imported food aid can foster dependency and delay investment in sustainable solutions. Instead of strengthening local agriculture or empowering smallholder farmers with tools, training, and access to markets, resources are funneled toward short-term relief. This approach may meet immediate needs but often fails to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. Additionally, imported food may not align with local dietary preferences or nutritional needs, and in some cases, may contribute to health issues when processed or unfamiliar foods replace traditional diets. To create lasting change, hunger relief efforts must balance immediate aid with long-term development strategies that prioritize local food production, economic empowerment, and community resilience.



Seeds for Smiles: Growing Hope and Self-Reliance

Seeds for Smiles is a grassroots initiative in partnership with Acceso, dedicated to empowering rural smallholder farmers and food service workers while addressing hunger through sustainable agriculture in Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The program provides families in need with seeds, tools, training, and access to markets—helping them grow their own food, expand production, and achieve self-reliance. Every seed planted is a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future—turning every seed into a smile.

1

Training & Skill Developmemt

Program participants receive hands-on training rooted in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Climate Smart Agriculture, with a strong focus on peer-to-peer and shared learning.

2

Seeds and other Inputs

Farmers receive high-quality seeds, seedlings, and fingerlings—carefully cultivated in Acceso nurseries and hatcheries—at an affordable cost. They are also provided with a starter kit containing essential tools and farming equipment to help launch their agricultural activities.

3

Financing

Farmers access low-interest loans to obtain additional equipment and inputs, which are repaid through produce rather than cash, easing financial burden and promoting reinvestment.

4

Storage & Logistics

Harvested crops are purchased by Acceso at fair market prices and stored using a hub-and-spoke model, ensuring quality and minimizing loss.

5

Multi-Crop Processing

Local labor is employed in processing facilities where crops are transformed to meet formal market standards, generating both income and employment within the community.

6

Sales & Distribution

A dedicated team secures long-term contracts with major buyers, including humanitarian organizations, ensuring consistent demand and impact. Crops are directed to local, national, and international markets—feeding programs, schools, and more.

OTHER FARMING INITIATIVES

In addition to the Seeds for Smiles program, Food For The Poor has launched a range of complementary initiatives that broaden the scope and impact of its agricultural efforts. Each of these programs is designed not only to enhance food production but also to promote economic empowerment and strengthen community resilience. From tilapia farming to beekeeping, these initiatives provide families with the tools, knowledge, and market access needed to build sustainable livelihoods. By focusing on both productivity and people, Food For The Poor’s agricultural strategy aims to create long-term solutions that break the cycle of poverty and foster thriving, self-reliant communities.

Beekeeping Initiatives

Food For The Poor has launched beekeeping initiatives in countries such as Jamaica, Honduras, and Saint Lucia as part of its commitment to sustainable development and economic self-sufficiency in underserved communities. These programs equip participants with training, tools, and beehives, empowering them to produce and sell honey and other bee-derived products. In addition to providing a steady income stream, the initiative also promotes environmental sustainability through pollination.

In Jamaica, Food For The Poor donors have supported the development of bee farms by providing local farmers with the resources and knowledge necessary for successful beekeeping. This initiative offers a long-term, sustainable solution to poverty, enabling individuals to improve their economic conditions and strengthen their communities.

In Honduras, Food For The Poor's beekeeping efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing poverty, hunger, and the need for inclusive economic growth. Many small-scale farmers have embraced beekeeping as a viable livelihood, generating income that helps support their families and fund their children’s education.

One of the standout projects in Honduras is the Colinas Beekeeping Association (APICOL)—a collaborative effort between Food For The Poor, CEPUDO, and Heifer International. Through this initiative, farmers receive essential equipment, honeybee colonies, and ongoing mentorship. The project has been so successful that participants have formed a cooperative shop, further expanding their income opportunities and building community resilience.

In Saint Lucia, Food For The Poor supports beekeeping as part of broader self-sustaining micro-enterprise initiatives, aimed at empowering local communities through skills training and entrepreneurship. These efforts not only uplift individuals economically but also contribute to the long-term development and well-being of entire regions.

By investing in beekeeping, Food For The Poor is creating practical, sustainable pathways out of poverty—transforming lives, fostering resilience.

Tilapia Farming

Food For The Poor has implemented tilapia farming initiatives across several Latin American countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, to combat hunger and promote economic self-sufficiency in impoverished communities. These sustainable aquaculture projects provide communities with the resources and training necessary to cultivate tilapia, offering both a reliable source of nutrition and a viable means of income.

Guatemala: In regions like El Tabacal, Food For The Poor has established multi-pond tilapia farms in collaboration with partners such as the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF). These projects have transformed local residents from day laborers into professional aquaculturists and business owners, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities. The availability of fresh tilapia has improved nutrition and reduced malnutrition risks, while the income generated has contributed to economic stability within the community.

Honduras: Food For The Poor, alongside ICDF and local partner CEPUDO, has inaugurated tilapia farms such as the Genesis Tilapia and Shrimp Farm and the Maranatha Tilapia Ponds Project in Omoa. These projects not only provide economic benefits to participating families but also contribute to the nutritional intake of surrounding communities. The Genesis farm, for instance, consists of six ponds benefiting 27 families, while the Maranatha project includes three ponds supporting the local community and aiding feeding programs conducted at local churches.

Dominican Republic: In collaboration with ICDF, Food For The Poor launched the La Siembra Vieja Tilapia Project, a multi-pond fish farming initiative aimed at enhancing food production. This project not only addresses food insecurity but also promotes economic sustainability by providing a marketable product. Additionally, the initiative includes the provision of homes, latrines, water supply, educational facilities, and a multi-purpose clinic, contributing to comprehensive community development.


Support The Community Gardens & Seeds for Smiles Initiatives

Help us fund a family’s journey out of poverty with a donation. Browse through our gift catalog to provide immediate relief, bolster self-reliance, or bring hope. With a simple act of solidarity, you can truly impact someone’s life for the better.