Rise Against Hunger

Rise Against Hunger is driven by the vision of a world without hunger. Our mission is to end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.

Everyone on the planet has the right to the nutrition necessary to live life to his or her full potential. Since our founding in 1998, Rise Against Hunger has grown exponentially — and the  ways in which we seek to end hunger continue to evolve.

From the implementation of sustainable community development projects to our meal packaging program that harnesses the passion of local volunteers, we strive to make a global impact on hunger by building resilience, self-sufficiency and empowerment among the communities we work in and with.

Our three areas of focus are:

Responding to Emergencies: Crisis Relief

From droughts to floods, in conflict zones and transitioning political situations, food is often the most immediate need. When everyday access to food, wages, and market systems are destroyed in the wake of emergencies, Rise Against Hunger works through a network of in-country partners to address these needs. We strive to ensure aid is efficiently and effectively deployed to and received by communities when it is needed most.

Nourishing Lives: Safety Nets

While long-term food security projects take root, vulnerable families and individuals still need to meet their basic needs today. Rise Against Hunger supports safety net programs that provide nourishment as well as additional skills training or services that support the difficult journey out of poverty. Our volunteer-packaged meals support children’s attendance at school, incentivize adults to learn a new trade or bolster clinic patients’ health in order to bring about holistic and transformational development in each of their lives.

Empowering Communities: Agriculture and Income-Generating Initiatives

Rise Against Hunger bolsters agricultural production and incomes through programs promoting improved agricultural methods, business skills, and market access. With training and access to quality seeds and fertilizers, farmers can increase production and harvest a variety of nutritious crops. By supporting the establishment of fish and livestock production, we also provide pathways to diversifying diets and improving nutritional outcomes. For those who do not grow their own food, income is a key determinant in being food secure — through income generating activities we help individuals increase their earning potential and thus their consistent access to food.

We host meal packaging events with volunteers throughout the DMV region to send meals internationally to school feeding programs.