The United Nations designated the day annually to raise awareness about the need to end global poverty in all its forms everywhere. Seven years ago in an urgent call to action, the UN championed a 2030 agenda built around 17 sustainable development goals. But that agenda is in jeopardy due to the crippling affects and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation and the war in Ukraine have dealt further setbacks and increased food insecurity. The poor always are the hardest hit. FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine shares his thoughts about how the charity is facing poverty head on.

What is multidimensional poverty?

Ed: Poverty is not just a single dimension. Someone in poverty who needs food, for example, will likely also have many other things they need including access to clean water, housing, education etc. We want to make sure that our work truly stretches from the relief to the development and that we are partnering with the church and like-minded partners and organizations to make sure we can do something that has lasting effect.

What is the role of the church in helping Food For The Poor address poverty?

Ed: There is an opportunity for both material as well as spiritual support to come together through the church and through organizations such as Food For The Poor to really help people think about purpose in their lives and to do it through a spiritual definition as well. The churches probably best understand the needs of the poor because they’re in the community of the Church already.