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GLOBAL children’s charity Plan International has distributed food to thousands of hungry families in Malawi.
More than 250,000 households across 21 districts are in need of food, after erratic rains affected food production in the northern, central and southern regions.
Plan has given food to more than 10,000 families so far and has plans to make more distributions over the coming weeks.
“Due to insufficient food produce, people have opted to take one or two meals per day,” says Lilly Omondi, Plan’s Country Director in Malawi.
“Most have given up breakfast as a way of saving food. The decrease in dietary intake may result in increased cases of malnutrition, especially amongst children less than five-years-old,” she adds.
The number of people needing help is expected to increase further as people are forced to sell household goods to pay for food.
It is estimated around 57,000 tonnes of maize is needed to help make up the food deficit.
New distribution sites are being opened to stop villagers having to walk so far to get supplies. Plan is also employing a consultant to look at children’s vulnerability.
Floods are forecast in some areas in December and January so an assessment is underway to help gauge what extra help may be required.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
