Due to COVID-19 and the impact that it is having on livelihoods, many families’ household income has drastically reduced, making it difficult to feed their families. In Zimbabwe, this has led to a nationwide food crisis as many households now cannot afford the basic necessities.

With the help of donations from our generous travelers, Grand Circle Foundation worked with Children in the Wilderness, the non-profit arm of our long-time partner organization in Zimbabwe, to purchase 63 food packs for students sponsored by the Foundation in Victoria Falls and the village of Lukosi. The contents of these packs include maize meal, sugar beans, rice, salt, peanut butter, cooking oil, soya chunks, and soap, and are enough to provide for one child for a month. Combined with the family’s food at home, the food pack provides much needed nutrition during this difficult time.

Providing these food packs has made a significant difference for families, all of whom have expressed their gratitude. This distribution was the first phase of Children in the Wilderness’ COVID-19 food program, and they hope to continue providing food packs each month until the worst of the COVID stress is alleviated.

Students in Zimbabwe receive their food packs which provide the food and nutrients they need for one month.

Also in Victoria Falls, the Foundation and Children in the Wilderness have partnered with Wild Horizons to feed 1,269 people—including both students and teachers—at two schools in the Chidobe Ward area. A single donation of $15,000, from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, made this project possible. O.A.T. representatives in Zimbabwe met with local officials to determine how best to distribute the funds.

The donation will purchase 12 tons of an instant nut porridge approved by the ministry of health to provide adequate nutrition to stave off hunger. Between August and September of 2020, each recipient will receive four packs per person per month, with each one providing seven meals per adult and 14 per child.

Until this crisis is behind us, Grand Circle Foundation will continue to support communities that are doubly suffering due to the impact of the virus and the absence of tourism. We thank all of the generous travelers and donors who have helped make this work possible.