Why regular gifts are important

With rising costs, climate change, and conflict creating increasing challenges for children in some of the world’s poorest communities, our life-changing school meals are needed more now than ever before.  

The security of regular gifts allows us to keep our long-term commitment to the children who need us most. Every school day our meals attract more than 2.6 million children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future. And the certainty of this daily meal brings relief and hope to families living in the most difficult circumstances, like Elly and her great-granddaughter Grace. 

Grace and Elly’s story 

When she's asked about her great granddaughter, Elly says: “She seems like she’s doing well at school. It’s something that’s making me proud.” 

“Grace is a good child,” Elly continues, “she’s chilled.” It’s hard to imagine Grace being so relaxed given what she’s lived through – her mum passed away when she was younger, and although her dad is still alive, it’s claimed he doesn’t contribute anything to his daughter’s wellbeing. Grace studies at Chithekani Primary, in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North Province, and her favourite subject is English. 

The onus on providing for Grace falls solely on her 83-year-old great grandmother. 

Elly is relieved that Grace gets a steaming mug of nutritious porridge every school day at Chithekani Primary. The healthy meal, provided by Mary’s Meals in partnership with the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress, provides Grace and her fellow classmates with energy to play, participate in class and gain an education. 

Elly has seen the impact of the porridge on her great granddaughter and on the local area. She says: “The children love it. Because of the nature of the ingredients, it eliminates hunger. Everyone is happy about the porridge, it's the biggest difference I’ve seen in this community.” 

Grace will arrive at school tired, often on an empty stomach, but after being fuelled by Mary’s Meals porridge, this intelligent, selfless girl can strive for her dreams. She says: “I can concentrate better. I can read more when my tummy is full. I love coming to school because I can learn with the other kids. 

“When I’m older I want to be a teacher. I want to help other people, either through the teaching itself or when I have money.” 

Reaching the next hungry child 

Regular gifts mean we can keep our promise to children like Grace that they will eat a good meal every school day. But they allow us to do even more – they also help us plan for the future. Regular gifts are the foundation of our ability to expand our programmes and reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals. 

This month, during Mega Match May, your generosity will go three times as far – meaning you can feed even more hungry children with Mary’s Meals. Until 31 May, if you set up a regular gift to Mary’s Meals, your first three donations will be tripled by a generous donor, up to £200,000! 

With too many children around the world remaining hungry and out of school, there has never been a more important time to set up a regular gift.

Set up your regular gift today and help us share our special promise with thousands more children and families like Grace and Elly.