Republic of China (Taiwan) Donates Rice to FFTP to Support Families in Guatemala
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2024) – The Republic of China (Taiwan) marked the significant donation of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Food For The Poor (FFTP) on Wednesday that will help alleviate hunger among families in Guatemala.
The donation was recognized during a ceremony in Guatemala City, led by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Vivia Chang, and attended by officials from FFTP and its partners, Cáritas Arquidiocesana and the Order of Malta.
Hosted at the Cáritas Arquidiocesana warehouse, the event highlighted Taiwan’s generous donation, which equates to 50 shipping containers or tractor-trailer loads of rice.
Shipments began in the spring and continued throughout the year, with the final shipment scheduled to depart from Taiwan in December and expected to arrive early next year.
In the past, FFTP purchased rice and had it shipped to its in-country partners in Guatemala.
“We are incredibly grateful to Taiwan for helping us extend our reach and nearly tripling the number of beneficiaries we can serve,” FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said. “The generosity shown by the Republic of China (Taiwan) is not only filling empty plates but also giving hope to families in need.”
Cáritas Arquidiocesana and The Order of Malta will oversee distribution of the rice through their feeding and nutrition programs in rural areas of the country.
Women from some of the families in Guatemala who will benefit from the rice donation attended Wednesday’s ceremony and expressed their gratitude.
FFTP and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have previously partnered on agricultural projects in Guatemala, but the rice is the first in-kind donation to the country. FFTP’s partnership with the Taiwanese government goes back to 2007.
The rice donation is part of Taiwan’s efforts to promote international cooperation and strengthen ties with nations in Latin America, especially in the areas of humanitarian aid and development.
Watch a video of highlights from the ceremony here.
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]
