The Zakat Foundation of America

In June of 2010, Zakat Foundation began a four month campaign to tackle the mounting humanitarian crisis caused by massive scale starvation that is afflicting the people of Niger, West Africa.

The famine, which was spurred by drought, has been made worse by high prices for the food that is still obtainable. This crisis, which is worse than the famine that struck Niger in 2005, has reached a magnitude not previously seen according to a United Nations representative.

Working in the Agadez region of Niger, Zakat Foundation, in coordination with its local partner, is supporting the delivery of important staple foods such as rice, millet, sugar, cow peas and salt to children and their families. For the initial phase of the relief, food distributions took place in six nomadic schools strategically chosen to reach the largest amount of people who have yet to receive any food aid. The use of schools also increases the chances that hungry children will continue to attend school. Some aid was also given to these nomadic communities in the form of animal feed because without their animals the nomads lose their livelihoods and any hope of becoming self sufficient.

Zakat Foundation is committed to supporting the people of Niger during this crucial time and will continue to provide food aid during the upcoming months. Please donate generously to this critical relief campaign.