Foundation to aid struggling mothers, orphanages in $1m initiative

The Alice Jegede Feed My Children Foundation has begun an initiative to provide struggling mothers with vital food and financial assistance to bridge the hunger crisis in the country.

Aside from struggling mothers, the initiative will also provide children in orphanages with much-needed meals, marking a significant movement against food insecurity.

PUNCH Online reports that the removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government in June 2023 triggered an economic reality that led to a sharp increase in the prices of food among other commodities.

As of September 2024, the World Bank’s food security report ranked Nigeria as the fifth country hardest hit by food inflation in the world and the third in Africa, trailing Malawi and Liberia.

The UN Office on Humanitarian Affairs stated that 33 million Nigerians are food insecure. The figure includes 2.5 million severely malnourished children.

But outlining its plans in a statement on Saturday, the foundation’s Board Chairman, Dr. Philip Jegede, said the initiative was aimed at tackling child hunger in Nigeria.

According to him, with millions of children in Nigeria going to bed hungry each night, the foundation aims to fill critical gaps left by government and global efforts.

He explained that starting in Benin City, the foundation plans to expand its reach to major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Onitsha this year.

“The foundation is launching strategic programs aimed at supporting indigent mothers and their infants. The initiatives include the Meals on a Bike program, which will deliver food directly to families, and Happy Meal Fridays, where orphanages will receive nutritious meals, fruits, and snacks weekly. Additionally, the Mama Alice Little Cuties program will distribute clothing to infants city by city.

“Recognising that hunger often stems from broader socio-economic issues, the organisation will go beyond food distribution. It will provide financial aid and emotional support to mothers, helping them build stability for their families.

“To drive these, the foundation has announced a $1 million fundraising campaign for 2025. The funds will be allocated to broaden outreach programs, including food distribution events, support for orphanages, and resources for struggling mothers, ensuring families receive comprehensive assistance,” Jegede said.

He noted that through community engagement, strategic partnerships, and the generosity of donors, the foundation would “address hunger in Nigeria—one meal, one mother, and one child at a time”.