Day 109: The Lunchbox Fund

I tend to look back at my childhood for perspective on how my life has evolved and progressed for the better, which makes me feel more inclined to help as many people as I can. Thinking back to adversities my family and I have faced provides me a sense of what is important in this life. Something as simple as the hot lunch program in grammar school, may not seem like a big deal, but for me it was a guaranteed meal each day. It’s really hard to focus on learning when you are starving, which is why I believe in programs like The Lunchbox Fund.

The Lunchbox Fund was founded in 2004 to address the needs of impoverished students at Meadowlands High School in Soweto, South Africa. The organization has since expanded to include two additional high schools in Soweto, and most recently Alexandra High School in Alexandra Township. The simple intervention of providing a free and healthy lunch, makes a substantial difference in the students ability to reach their potential by alleviating the plight of hunger-stricken children within the South African township school systems, and — as the mission develops — through Central and East Africa as well.

The Lunchbox Fund targets the poorest children and schools and provides them with nutritional meals. Typically the children are fed peanut butter and/or jam sandwiches on whole wheat bread with a piece of fresh fruit daily. For some of these children it may be their only meal of the day.

Amount Donated: $10 (sponsors a child for a month)

To support the Lunchbox Fund, please visit: http://www.thelunchboxfund.org