Food banks help curb hunger-related deaths
The Fulani tribe, whose village was among the hardest-hit by last year's famine, stand in front of their newly-dedicated food bank.
Each bank is stocked with ten tons of millet, a common cereal grain, that will sustain approximately.
600 families during seasons of famine.
Cards are issued to villagers to track the amount of grain given to each family during the 'lean' season.
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POSTED: December 21, 2006
By Sarah Pate
NIGER, Africa - After a devastating famine left an estimated 3.6 million residents of Niger on the brink of starvation last year, Operation Blessing's food banks are proving to be an effective strategy in the war against hunger.
A good harvest and two fully-stocked food banks constructed by Operation Blessing this year helped supply food to more than 9,600 people and prevent hunger-related deaths in the villages served.
"Unlike last year, the villagers now have a lifeline," said David Darg, OBI's assistant director for international programs.
"In each bank there is enough millet to help sustain an estimated 600 families until rainy season, when they can grow crops again."
To ensure a year-round supply of food, villagers store a portion of their harvest in the food
bank to help replenish the millet stock for the next year.
A food bank committee, managed by the Mayor's office of Diagourou, oversees the distribution and restocking of the food bank, issuing cards to villagers to track the amount of grain each family receives from the bank during times of famine.
Ten additional food banks, currently under construction, are slated to be completed and stocked by January 2007.
"With a total of 15 food banks in place for next year's 'lean' season, we will be able to serve an estimated 72,000 people," Darg added.
In addition to the food bank program, OBI's regional office located in the
capital city of Niamey will continue to provide support for these and other food security projects as well as oversee medical missions, microenterprise projects and construction of water wells in villages throughout Niger and West Africa.
How You Can Help
With your financial partnership, we can provide food for those caught in the grip of hunger and famine. Take part in Operation Blessing's life-changing works by making an online contribution today.
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