FFTP and Republic of China (Taiwan) Sign Agreement for Rice Shipments to Haiti
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2025) – With 5.4 million people in Haiti facing food insecurity, Food For The Poor (FFTP) announced the signing of an agreement on Tuesday with the Republic of China (Taiwan) to receive 7,920 metric tons of rice for distribution in 2025. This lifesaving donation will provide essential food assistance to families in need.
The rice will be shipped from Taiwan to Haiti, with FFTP overseeing distribution through its extensive network of churches, schools, hospitals, and humanitarian organizations across the country.
Speaking at a ceremony from FFTP-Haiti’s offices in Port-au-Prince, Ambassador Cheng-Hao Hu underscored Taiwan’s commitment to Haiti. Also present were Minister Yin-Tso Lin and Deputy Counselor Jyr-Geng Wu.
Ambassador Hu said humanitarian work in Haiti continues to face extraordinary challenges as gangs have tightened their grip on the country, blocking roads and making delivery of aid more complicated.
“Many NGOs have been forced to withdraw, but Food For The Poor remains by our side to bring support and hope to the most vulnerable,” Ambassador Hu said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the leadership team of Food For The Poor-Haiti. Thanks to their tireless efforts, Taiwan’s assistance has been delivered directly to those in greatest need.”
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine and EVP/Chief Operating Officer Mark Khouri participated in the ceremony Tuesday via video conference.
“This is not just a testament to the strong bond between our nations, but it is truly a necessary and deeply appreciated gift from the people of Taiwan,” Raine said. “It is absolutely a critical supply for us, and it’s humbling to accept this generosity when I know how desperately needed this rice donation is to the people of Haiti.”
The rice shipments will be delivered in 40-container increments each month beginning this month and continuing through December 2025 – a total of 440 containers – with adjustments as necessary based on shipping availability and local conditions in Haiti.
Since 2007, the partnership with the Taiwanese government has provided FFTP with the opportunity to feed thousands of children and families and meet its mission to facilitate paths out of poverty and transform lives.
Through partnerships with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, Raine said FFTP is working to strengthen Haiti’s local rice production and support 250 farmers with the tools and resources they need to become self-sufficient.
“Beyond training, this program also ensures that farmers are connected to the marketplace, allowing them to receive fair payment for their produce,” Raine said. “One of the biggest challenges for those in extreme poverty is the lack of access to commercial markets, preventing them from earning a sustainable income. By addressing this gap, we are not only providing immediate relief but also equipping communities with the tools for long-term success.”
Haiti is currently facing a dire hunger crisis, with 5.4 million people experiencing food insecurity, including 2 million in emergency conditions and thousands on the brink of famine, according to the United Nations World Food Programme.
Amidst ongoing hardships, the rice donation from Taiwan will provide sustenance to over 1 million indirect beneficiaries, including displaced people and refugees.
FFTP-Haiti CEO Mario Nicoleau highlighted the importance of the annual collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
“Every year, we eagerly anticipate this ceremony, not only to formalize the donation but to celebrate a friendship that grows stronger with each passing year,” Nicoleau said. “Taiwan has stood alongside Food For The Poor and the Haitian people through thick and thin, demonstrating unwavering solidarity and brotherhood.”
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
