Hypermart, a local grocery superstore in Indonesia, gave OBI a voucher valued at more than $10,000 USD to help purchase the food and supplies. So far, teams have distributed 1,333 food packages.

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia – Rice, as a side dish, is a quick, easy staple to make with any meal.

But for Kartoyo, the simple side dish is something reserved for special occasions, when money is abundant and the family has enough work coming in to support the extra expense.

The 38-year-old rickshaw driver barely earns enough income to provide cassava and sweet potatoes for his family, much less rice, sugar or bread.

"Sometimes in a day I don't have any customers, because there are so many rickshaw drivers," Kartoyo said. In addition, a struggling economy and high gas prices have put a strain on finding work and making a profit.

"The impact of the rise in oil prices has made the burden of life heavier for poor people," said Noldy, a staff member with OB Indonesia.

OB Indonesia is planning to distribute 40,000 family food packages for impoverished people in the region by the end of this year.

To help Kartoyo and others like him, OB Indonesia is planning to distribute 40,000 family food packages for impoverished people in the region by the end of this year.

Yogyakarta has the second-smallest area of the provinces in Indonesia, after the Jakarta region. However, despite its small size, it has one of the highest populations of the nation.

Hypermart, a local grocery superstore in Indonesia, gave OBI a voucher valued at more than $10,000 USD to help purchase the food and supplies. So far, teams have distributed 1,333 food packages. Each packet contains enough rice, sugar, coconut oil, instant noodles, a package of biscuits and ketchup to feed a family of four.

"I am very happy to get this family package," Kartoyo said. "Rice and vegetables are so expensive. Thanks for the support."

There are still more than 38,000 packages left to be distributed before the end of the year. OBI teams are headed to Jabodetabek, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatera, South Sumatera and East Nusa Tenggara to hand out the remaining food.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, Operation Blessing brings nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty in America and around the world. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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