In 2023, the world witnessed an unprecedented surge in food prices, causing households across every economic stratum to grapple with the harsh reality of regular price hikes on essential groceries. Virtually every item on the grocery list experienced a significant increase in cost, affecting mostly poor low income earning households.
For individuals and families like Mrs. Joy, food accounted for the majority of their unstable and almost nonexistent financial reserves, the escalating prices created an insurmountable barrier to securing basic sustenance.
In response to this dire crisis, The InnerCity Mission under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) embarked on an unprecedented and historical effort to raise and distribute 1 billion meals worldwide with the vision of providing relief to indigent children and vulnerable families; irrespective of their gender, religion, and nationality.
We are thrilled to share the incredible news that, with the support of our dedicated community; sponsors, volunteers and partners, we exceeded our 1 Billion Meals campaign goal to feed the hungry across 104 countries such as Nigeria with 1,170,714,773 raised and distributed in 2023.
Beyond the numbers, were the lifetime impact we made in the lives we touched and the bellies we filled. Our collaboration with individuals, volunteers, Corporate Organizations, Churches, NGOs, governmental bodies, and other key stakeholders allowed us to leverage on resources, reach remote areas, and address the unique challenges faced by indigent children, vulnerable households and diverse underserved communities worldwide where the effects of inflation and hunger was most acute.
Milestone after milestone, we witnessed the impact of our efforts – from providing emergency food relief in conflict zones to sustaining long-term solutions for communities in need. Schools, orphanages, refugee camps, and marginalized neighborhoods all felt the positive ripple effects of our campaign.
While we reflect on this remarkable achievement, we extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to our food campaign success. Your support has transcended borders, bringing smiles, nourishment, renewed hope to countless lives and established God’s word declared in Psalms 33:5 which says “The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.”
Looking ahead, our commitment to combating hunger remains steadfast and the journey to eliminate hunger continues. The success of the 1 Billion Meals campaign now serves as a foundation for the ongoing 5 Billion Meals Campaign which was launched on the 26th of January, 2024 to reach 3 million households with food parcels for 3 months. We have been inspired to dream bigger in networking the world’s hungry to the food they need, knowing that if nothing is done, hunger could force more indigent children and vulnerable Families to make tough choices, resorting to extreme measures with devastating consequences just to survive
To gift a family in need with food parcels or children with meals, make a donation here icm.ngo/5billionmeals