On Tuesday, January 23, 2023, Food For the Poor (Guyana) Inc., in collaboration with the Marriott Hotel “Serve 360 Sustainability Program”, provided food relief to forty (40) vulnerable families in the South Georgetown/Sophia areas as part of their “Vulnerable Families Support Program.”
This joint initiative highlighted the efforts of FFTP (Guyana) Inc. commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in our community. The primary objective of this collaboration was to minimize the effects of food insecurity on vulnerable families. The program is intended to last 6 to 24 months. As the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries improve, they will gradually be transitioned out of the program
Speaking at the simple handover ceremony was Ms. Andrea Benjamin, CEO of FFTP, who stated, “This is a labor of love from everyone involved in the program. Over the years, FFTP (Guyana) Inc. has been supporting vulnerable families through our relief program. We understand the need to take a holistic approach to their situation, so we are willing to work closely with them for a maximum period of two years. We will explore various methods for families to enhance their capacity and empower themselves. We want to help you improve your lives.”
Ms. Crystel Hampstead, Human Resources Generalist at Marriott Hotel, expressed her gratitude to FFTP (Guy) Inc. for allowing the company to take part in such a prestigious event. “We at Marriott think this is a wonderful initiative, and it is something that we will continue to support in the future. To the program beneficiaries, I encourage you to participate in this event as it will empower you and improve your socio-economic condition,” Ms. Hampstead revealed.
Victoria Lennox, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to FFTP (Guy) Inc. and Marriott Hotel for their contribution. Lennoxx further explained that although the food items are helpful, she is hopeful that the “Vulnerable Families Support Program” will help her find a job and stabilize her household.
Each family was able to receive hampers containing essential food and personal care items such as flushable wipes, Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Baby Shampoo, baby wipes, kidney beans, black beans, mackerel, flour, rice, manna pack rice, tote bags, an assortment of canned foods, chowmein, packet seasoning, Chinese sauce, toothbrushes, Colgate toothpaste, margarine, and powdered milk.
Collaboration is crucial in addressing the needs of vulnerable, food-insecure families. Food For the Poor (Guyana) Inc believes that collaboration is the cornerstone of progress. By pooling our resources, knowledge, and efforts, we can magnify the impact of our initiatives. Together, we can develop sustainable strategies that not only offer immediate relief but also empower these families to break the cycle of food insecurity.
At FFTP (Guyana) Inc., we believe in breaking down silos and fostering partnerships across sectors, including governments, NGOs, businesses, and local communities. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we can establish a comprehensive support system that addresses the underlying causes of food insecurity and fosters long-term resilience.
The impact of collaboration extends beyond mere statistics; it reaches into the lives of individuals and families. Therefore, it is important to dedicate ourselves to working together, sharing ideas and resources, to build a world where no one faces the harsh reality of food insecurity alone.
Marriott Hotel “Serve 360 Sustainability Program” is the company’s’ commitment to creating positive and sustainable impact wherever they do business, guided by their 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFP), is the largest charitable Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Guyana. The work of FFTP Guyana is restricted to charitable purposes within the ten (10) Administrative Regions of Guyana. The organization has grown tremendously over the 32 years and has become the largest charitable organization in Guyana. The organization operates under the theme: Transforming Communities, Renewing Hope, and Saving Lives.