The Dorcas Food Campaign: Creating sustainable change through food security

Food is a fundamental human right, yet hunger remains a global issue. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)¹, around 733 million people around the world are at risk of hunger due to adverse conditions such as weather shocks, conflict, economic downturns and inequality. In response to this global crisis, Dorcas organises the annual Dorcas Food Campaign. Through this campaign, we raise awareness, mobilise resources and implement sustainable solutions that enable communities to thrive. Thousands of dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in the campaign, working tirelessly to raise funds and support various initiatives.

The Food Campaign takes a holistic approach to food security. It addresses both immediate needs and builds the foundations for long-term resilience. Beyond emergency food distributions, Dorcas supports marginalised households by training them in sustainable farming techniques and providing them with the materials they need. We also provide skills training and support for people to start their own businesses. This year, in the 29th year of the campaign, we are focusing specifically on these three areas.

1. Food distributions during emergencies

These distributions are meant to provide food to people in immediate need. For example, people who have lost access to food and water due to a natural disaster or war. They receive food or money to support them through this first difficult period. 

Adrian from Mozambique: When a hurricane and heavy rains struck Mozambique, Adrian and his family lost everything they owned. When the family found shelter in a makeshift tent camp, they received food parcels and hygiene kits from Dorcas. Adrian: ‘We had nothing left, but fortunately we received food parcels in the camp, so we had enough to eat.’

Adrian’s story highlights the critical role these parcels play as a first step in supporting people to rebuild their lives after emergencies. Dorcas brings this type of support to countless households facing displacement and hunger in the fourteen countries where we work.  

2. Growing food

As well as providing immediate emergency assistance, Dorcas also addresses the underlying causes of food insecurity through sustainable agriculture initiatives. We provide households living in poverty with seeds, tools and training to cultivate crops and do this in a climate-smart way. For example, through the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) we support farmers to collaborate in decision-making and resource management, enhancing their ability to adapt to climate changes. This ensures they have healthy food all year round.  

Vasyl and Renate from Ukraine: Due to ongoing conflict, Vasyl lost his job, leaving his family struggling to make ends meet. Dorcas provided them with materials to expand their greenhouse and training in growing and marketing. Now, they have enough food and income to support their family. 

3. Earning food through a new occupation

Dorcas provides (skills) training and support for people in vulnerable situations to start their own businesses. This will put food on the table – now and in the future.  

Mahalled from Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, Mahalled took any short-term work she could find, but it wasn’t enough to sustain her family. With her husband’s limited income, she turned to Dorcas and enrolled in a woodworking course. Once she completes the course, she plans to open a workshop named after her daughters: Sosena & Bitanika Furniture Making Workshop.

Mahalled’s experience highlights the importance of skills training in changing personal situations, empowering people to improve their lives and support their families. 

Building resilience through food security 

Food security has a profound impact on the well-being of people and communities around the world. It affects not only personal health and development, but also broader societal stability and growth. When communities lack access to sufficient food, the consequences go beyond hunger, affecting education, economic productivity and social cohesion. The stories of Adrian, Vasyl, Renate and Mahalled illustrate how access to nutritious food can transform lives, build resilience and empower people and communities to build a sustainable future. 

Through the Dorcas Food Campaign, we want to contribute to a future where food security is accessible to all. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the fight against hunger.

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ↩︎

04 November 2024