Life-changing meals that deliver a better life for children around the world

At the break of dawn, the sound of singing and laughter emerges from the schools where we serve our nutritious school meals.

Already, our dedicated volunteers – many mothers with children of their own at school – are getting ready for the new day ahead, fetching wood and water so they can begin cooking the food that children arriving for class will eat.

Soon a swirl of smoke arises from the school kitchens signalling to children all around that the serving of a daily meal awaits them, filling their empty tummies and giving them the energy to learn and dream of a different tomorrow.

Mum-of-three Rebecca is one of around 80,000 volunteers in the 20 countries where we deliver our life-changing meals. Like so many others, she gives her time so freely to prepare, cook and serve the food we provide.

They do this so that their children, and children living in their communities, can have the chance of a better life. Just like our mums here in the UK, they know the food will nourish their children and give them the energy to study and play. 

The nursery where Rebecca volunteers to serve Mary’s Meals is a simple building, surrounded by the desert sands of Turkana in Kenya. A corrugated tin roof and a collection of branches provide the only shade from the scorching sun.

Rebecca didn’t get the chance to go to school herself, however she recognises how important food and education are for children growing up in this remote community. She tells us: “I hope that all the children finish school. The food that Mary’s Meals is bringing is making them healthy.”

As we approach Mothering Sunday, it’s an opportunity for me to reflect on the role of mothers around the world who make this work of ours possible.

From the mums in the UK whose food and love nourish us throughout our lives, to those living in some of the world’s poorest countries who volunteer to cook and serve Mary’s Meals to children in their community, this Mother’s Day we celebrate them all.

Growing up, I’ve been lucky to have a mum who has protected, nurtured, and supported me throughout life, forming me into the person I have become today.

The work of Mary’s Meals, in the name of Our Lady, is carried out too in the spirit of genuine love.

It reaches out to those littles ones who so desperately depend on our meals so one day they can grow up, well-nourished and well-educated, to become the men and women who will lift their communities out of poverty and end their reliance on aid.

Each day I thank and put my trust in Our Lady for her continued protection and guidance for this vital mission of Mary’s Meals which is now reaching more than two million of the world’s poorest children every school day.

My favourite prayer is: “Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well-beloved spouse.”

Everyone is invited to play their part in the work of Mary’s Meals. Our Lady is the mother of us all and she desires that we respond to hungry children with love.

This response can be in the form of a donation of money, the volunteering of time or the giving of talents. For those of us who pray and fast, these can also be acts of love in response to the hunger of the poor child.

In the communities where we work – countries often scarred by conflict, drought and indescribable poverty – I have seen that love shine so brightly through our volunteers, who serve our meals to hungry children, with such joy in the hearts, knowing that this one meal has the power to change young lives.

This Mothering Sunday, I invite you to help us to feed more hungry children with our special Mother’s Day gifts so you can show your appreciation for the wonderful women in your life – while helping to feed hungry children.

These beautiful gifts will provide life-changing school meals for children living in some of the world’s poorest countries, helping them to gain an education that can be their ladder out of poverty.

For more information on Mary’s Meals, please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk

Joseph Black is head of major giving and partnerships at Mary’s Meals

(Please note, Mary’s Meals can't guarantee delivery for physical Mother's Day gift cards on orders taken after 23 March. However, you can still order our digital gifts which will be emailed to you.)