When you shop the FMSC MarketPlace™, you join us in our mission. We believe in the power of dignified and sustainable employment. In communities that receive FMSC meals, our artisan partners earn a fair wage for handcrafted goods. Every purchase strengthens families and communities. Profits fund meals for kids around the world. And this holiday season, you made a BIG difference.

Your purchases provided 7,173,236 meals for children around the world. We shared this spirit-feeding news with our artisan partners, and they were inspired!

1. Rwot Oyera is a small artisan cooperative in northern Uganda. They call themselves Rwot Oyera Craft Group which means God has chosen us. During the holiday season, the sale of their items funded 1,857 meals.

2. Weaving Hope is a ministry of FMSC food partner Buckner International in Peru. They support Venezuelan migrants and Peruvian women by providing sustainable employment. The talented artisans at Weaving Hope have mastered the Japanese art of handcrafting stuffed yarn creatures, called amigurumi. During the holiday season, the sale of their amigurumis funded 21,735 meals.

3. In 2004 Food for the Poor created a pottery shop. They named it Ulozapot, which means, “The place of the red clay.” Today the workshop using local clay, paint, and Salvadoran designs to create their works of art. During the holiday season, the sale of their items funded 44,350 meals.

4. Threads of Hope employs more than 350 artisans to make colorful thread bracelets which they sell in order to provide a sustainable income for their families. Through the sales of their items, artisans are able to generate a sustainable income which fosters a new sense of hope within their family and their community. During the holiday season, the sale of their items funded 70,949 meals.

5. Vi Bella's mission is centered on providing a path out of poverty. Vi Bella, which means "beautiful life," began in 2011 as a way to provide steady work for Haitians that would assure food, shelter and education to families in communities where jobs are scarce. Vi Bella offers a way for individuals to join the workforce and find dignity in their work. During the holiday season, the sale of their items funded 75,034 meals.

6. Fabretto  empowers families in Nicaragua by developing economic opportunities and improving education and nutrition. During the holiday season, the sale of their items funded 139,898 meals.

By shopping at MarketPlace this holiday season, you fed kids, fed spirits and empowered communities. Check out our new items here.