Sustainable Development

sus·tain·a·ble de·vel·op·ment: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

At Feed My Starving Children, sustainability means helping communities move from crisis to stability — and ultimately toward self-reliance.

That journey looks different in every context. Sometimes short-term relief is exactly what’s needed. But in every context, food is only the beginning …

Hope starts with food

Our mission is to feed God’s children hungry in body and spirit.

FMSC food distribution

FMSC works with food distribution partners that stay with communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development. Our partners are deeply embedded in the places they serve — and they know how to use FMSC meals as a powerful tool to build long-term resilience. Food supports school attendance, prenatal care, agricultural training, spiritual development and more.

Our goal is never to create dependence — it’s to stand with communities as they work toward self-sufficiency. And as that happens, the need for food assistance diminishes.

FMSC sustainable programs

FMSC has developed sustainable programs to make our food assistance model more effective, collaborative and community-driven.

Local sourcing programs

Locally sourced nutrition, adapted to local diets

Two people holding locally grown grain for MannaPack Mix

MannaPack® Mix contains the same vitamins, soy protein and dehydrated vegetables as MannaPack Rice — but without the rice! Instead, FMSC partners purchase a locally sourced grain to complete the meal.

Rice makes up nearly two-thirds of a meal’s weight. By omitting rice, MannaPack Mix allows roughly three times as many meals in one shipment. This significantly reduces transportation costs for our partners.

With those savings, FMSC provides a stipend for partners to purchase grain, putting money into the hands of farmers, co-ops and business owners — strengthening local food systems and creating sustainable change.

Community-led programs

Partners walking with communities toward self-reliance

Members of a Community-led program in the Philippines

FMSC’s community-led programs — formerly known as Project Based Food Assistance (PBFA) — unite food distribution partners, local leaders and community members around one goal: sustainable food security.

Each initiative is time-bound and rooted in community ownership. These programs begin with an end in sight, typically three to five years. During this time, FMSC provides consistent food support as the community implements a long-term development plan that often includes agriculture, education, vocational training or entrepreneurship.

Global collaboration community

Linking local knowledge with global expertise

Participants in the CROPPS program

The Coalition of Relief Organizations Promoting Practical Solutions (CROPPS) connects FMSC food partners with one another and with solution providers — organizations offering expertise in clean water, education, healthcare, agriculture, spiritual development and more.

By encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing across regions and sectors, CROPPS strengthens both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

FMSC MarketPlace™

Handcrafted hope — from artisans in the communities we serve

FMSC MarketPlace artisan partners at work crafting goods

FMSC MarketPlace believes in the power of dignified and sustainable employment. In communities that receive FMSC meals, our artisan partners earn a fair wage for handcrafted goods.

You’ll find their work at FMSC packing sites, MobilePack™ events and online at fmscmarketplace.org

Shop FMSC MarketPlace 

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