The challenges faced in Haiti
Haiti is facing the worst hunger crisis in its history. Gang violence has reached unprecedented levels, devastating the economy and people’s lives.
More than half of the population do not have enough food, and families are in greater need than ever before.
At the heart of this crisis – and suffering the most – are Haiti’s children. With food being used to lure hungry children into armed gangs, the need for Mary’s Meals is more urgent now than ever.
Mary's Meals in Haiti
Together with three expert local partners, Mary's Meals is operating in one of the most challenging and risky situations we have ever faced to keep providing vital school meals for tens of thousands of children caught up in this devastating crisis.
The ongoing chaos in Haiti is disrupting how we deliver our programme: food and fuel costs are rising, and transporting food is more challenging and costly than ever as our suppliers are forced to avoid gang-controlled highways.
Donate to help the children of Haiti
Right now, your gift does more than provide food — it helps children stay in school, where they can learn and grow into the leaders that will transform Haiti’s future.
We urgently need your support to keep our promise to the children we serve in Haiti and show them that there is hope beyond the violence. Donate today and help us keep them fed and safe in school, where they can learn and dream again.
The Haiti crisis in numbers
Read the latest facts and figures on the crisis in Haiti. The country is experiencing record levels of hunger and displacement as armed gangs expand their control of the country and services collapse. Children are most at risk.
FAQ's
We are running an appeal to keep our promise to the children we serve in Haiti and show them that there is hope beyond the violence.
The need in Haiti is evident with Haiti facing the worst hunger crisis in its history. Projected levels of food insecurity in almost all parts of the country are either ‘crisis’ or ‘emergency’ (international classifications).
Previously, gang violence was centred around Port-au-Prince, but in the past year it has spread to other parts of the country. With food being used to lure hungry children into armed gangs, the need for Mary’s Meals is more urgent now than ever.
As of 2026:
- 5.7 million people – over half of Haiti’s population – are experiencing acute food insecurity. (IPC, October 2025)
- Over 1 million children are facing emergency levels of hunger. (OCHA, April 2025)
- 1.4 million people are displaced, around half of them children. (IOM UN Migration, September 2025)
- Armed gangs control around 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. (Human Rights Watch, 2026)
- Up to half of all gang members are thought to be children, with some as young as nine being forced to join. (AP News, February 2026)
The ongoing chaos in Haiti is disrupting how we deliver our programme: food and fuel costs are rising, and transporting food is more challenging and costly than ever as our suppliers are forced to avoid gang-controlled highways.
Mary’s Meals is providing a light in the darkness in Haiti. For children and families, our school meals are more than vital nutrition – they also offer safety, routine and hope.
Working with three expert local partners, we are providing vital school meals for tens of thousands of children caught up in this devastating crisis. While delivering school meals has become more dangerous, complex and costly the impact remains profound: the promise of a daily meal continues to keep children in the safety and stability of the classroom.
In Haiti, Mary’s Meals works alongside three carefully chosen local partners – Caritas Hinche, Summits Education and Bureau de Nutrition et Développement.
Yes, we can claim Gift Aid on donations made to our Crisis In Haiti appeal, increasing the value of your donation, at no extra cost. Please complete the form on our website to allow Mary’s Meals to claim Gift Aid on your donations.
We operate school feeding programmes in three countries in the Middle East – Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. We are closely monitoring the current situation with our partner organisations on the ground in these locations. If you wish to find out more about our work in these countries, visit our where we work webpage.